Flu Facts: How to Beat the Bug!
The flu can knock
you off your feet. Here’s how to feel better faster.
What Are the Symptoms?
Flu symptoms include:- A fever between 102 and 104º F that lasts 3 days
- Muscle aches and pains
- Feeling very tired
- Headache
- Chest discomfort
How Can I Feel Better?
The best thing to do when you have the flu is take good care of yourself. Eat well and drink lots of fluids. Try water, soup, and caffeine-free drinks. Get plenty of rest.Also, you may want to try over-thecounter medications. For example, nasal decongestants can help unclog a stuffy nose. Antihistamines stop sneezing. Acetaminophen can help a fever and aches.
Remember, the flu is a virus. That means antibiotics won’t cure it. Antibiotics fight illness caused by bacteria. They don’t work against colds, the flu, or most coughs and sore throats.
What About a Flu Shot?
Getting a flu shot can lower your chance of getting the flu. People who should get the shot every year include those who:- Are age 50 or older
- Are age 6 to 59 months
- Are in close contact with children age 0 to 59 months
- Live in a long-term care facility, like a nursing home
- Have heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
