The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which is transmitted via droplets from an infected person through coughing, talking and sneezing. You may also be infected through contact with the surfaces, material and clothing contaminated with discharges of an infected person. The flu season in the country is from June to November, coinciding with the rainy season.
Initially, you might mistake the flu for a common cold, which is caused by a different virus (rhinovirus). However, colds usually develop slowly, whereas the flu tends to come on abruptly. Moreover, although a cold can be bothersome, you usually feel much worse with the flu.
The most common symptoms of flu include:
- fever (although not everyone with flu will have a fever) or feeling feverish and experiencing chills
- dry, persistent cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue (tiredness)
- vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
- eye pain
- shortness of breath
Healthy lifestyle helps protect against flu
The good news is you can take steps to protect yourself against the flu.
- Practice good health habits. Get adequate sleep, exercise regularly, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
- Wear a mask. If you are not fully vaccinated or if you have a weakened immune system, wear a mask indoors or while in a plane, train or vehicle.
- Wash your hands often. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
Annual flu vaccination provides best protection
The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick with the flu, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recommends everyone six months and older get an annual flu vaccine.
Getting the flu vaccine is particularly important for people at high risk of flu-related complications. These include people 65 years and older; adults with certain chronic health
conditions such as asthma, heart disease and stroke, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease; and pregnant women. Flu can lead to more serious infections such as pneumonia, especially among younger children, the elderly, pregnant women, or those with certain chronic health conditions. Moreover, pneumonia as a flu complication tends to be more severe and potentially fatal.
Flu viruses are constantly changing. This is why flu vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests will be common during the
upcoming flu season.
Moreover, your protection from a flu vaccine declines over time; hence, yearly vaccination is needed for the best protection.
Book your family’s flu vaccination now by visiting https://os.watsons.com.ph/VASS_UI/AppointmentBooking
References:
- https://doh.gov.ph/Health-Advisory/Influenza. Accessed 11 November 2024
- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm. Accessed 11 November 2024
- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/vaccinations.html. Accessed 11 November 2024
- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm. Accessed 11 November 2024