Hendrick Health offers tips for flu season

Hendrick Health clinics and emergency departments have seen an increase in influenza, or flu, cases in recent days. The contagious respiratory virus is associated with mild to severe symptoms of fever, chills, sore throat, muscle or body aches, fatigue, headaches and, in some cases, vomiting or diarrhea.

Even during peak respiratory illness season, several measures can help reduce the spread of flu, advises Hendrick Health providers. Limiting contact with others to slow virus transmission is an important first step. That means stay home if sick.

To reduce the risk of contracting the virus, avoid close contact with those who are sick and follow the steps below.

• Cover coughs and sneezes. Influenza spreads mainly through droplets created when flu sufferers cough, sneeze or talk.
• Practice hand hygiene. Wash hands well and often or use alcohol-based sanitizers.
• Wipe surfaces. Clean frequently touched surfaces such as handrails and doorknobs.
• Avoid touching your face. Germs on the hands can enter the body through eyes, nose and mouth.
• Improve air quality. Change filters for heating/air conditioning systems, use air purifiers, and, weather permitting, open windows and move activities outdoors.

The best protection against flu is the annual flu vaccine. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, October is the most ideal time to be vaccinated, but receiving the vaccine any time flu poses a threat to the community is also beneficial. The vaccine takes about two weeks to be effective against the flu.

Flu treatments include plenty of rest and fluids, medications to reduce fever, body aches and other pains and antivirals, if recommended by a healthcare provider. Most individuals with the flu can recover at home. But, if symptoms become severe, contact your healthcare provider, or visit an urgent care clinic.
Flu vaccines are available at all Hendrick Urgent Care locations.

For a list of Hendrick Urgent Care locations, visit hendrickurgentcare.com/locations.