Flu season is just around the corner and it is time to start taking the proper precautions in order to stay healthy. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. Flu season usually starts in the fall and hits its peaks in January or February. It is important to know the best ways to stay healthy during this time.

According to flu.gov, “about five to twenty percent of U.S. residents get the flu each year.” The flu is spread when a person with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks and droplets containing their germs land in someone else’s mouth or nose. It can also be spread by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching the mouth, eyes, or nose. Once the flu hits, most people are contagious for five to seven days after symptoms appear and feel better within one or two weeks

Common symptoms of the flu are a 100oF or higher fever or feeling feverish, a cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. If someone is diagnosed with the flu, they should stay home and follow their health care provider’s recommendations. Talking to a health care provider or pharmacist about over-the-counter medications will help a person with the flu to feel better and to ease flu symptoms.

The best ways to stay healthy during this season is to get the flu vaccination as soon as possible. There are also many steps to take everyday that will decrease the chances of catching the flu. It is crucial to wash hands, avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth, avoid close contact with sick people, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy to stay safe and in good health. Taking these precautionary measures, increases the chances of staying healthy and decreases the chance of getting the flu.