It’s March – Could This Still Be The Flu?

You wake up and either you or one of your family members is feeling run down. You might have a cough, sore throat, fever, runny nose, body aches, a headache, and fatigue. You might think it’s something mild – a cold, allergies, or a stomach bug. After all, it’s March. It can’t be the flu, can it?

Is It Still Flu Season?

Turns out it might be the flu. Although the flu is often associated with being widespread in the winter, the disease hits its peak in the late winter through early spring. The Centers for Disease Control officially claims the start of flu season as October and reports December through March as being peak flu season, and continuing even through May. If you think that you might have the flu, come by one of the TrustCare Express Medical Clinic locations for a quick flu test to determine what is getting you down and what the course of treatment should be.

Who Is At Risk?

While many people assign the term “the flu” generically to any illness with the above described symptoms, the actual influenza virus is a serious one. Anyone can get the flu, but there are a number of high-risk groups that are more likely to catch it. These groups include people over 65, pregnant women, young children, and people of any age that have certain chronic medical conditions.

How Can I Keep The Flu Away From My Family?

Since the flu spreads so easily, it is important that you take precautions against it to both prevent catching it in the first place and to prevent spreading it if you contract it. The CDC recommends an annual flu shot for anyone 6 months and older, barring serious health conditions that can be discussed with your doctor. Start planning ahead for next flu season to get your shot at TrustCare, as it is best if it is administered in October. The recommendations change annually, depending on the disease and the shot. Receiving the shot just once isn’t sufficient- it has to be done every year since the virus changes and the vaccine has to change as well to accommodate the varying strains. If you do contract the flu, make sure you stay home from work until you feel better, keep kids home from school, and do your best to steer clear of others. Wash your hands frequently, sneeze and cough into your elbow instead of your hand, and keep clothes, blankets, and other home surfaces clean and disinfected. Remember that the flu isn’t just a cold; it’s a serious respiratory disease, stop by one of our clinics. Make sure to do everything in your power to protect yourself and those around you. TrustCare help you Feel Better Faster.