mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs . Less often , a person might also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose .
What happens when I get the flu ?
If you ’ re exposed to influenza , symptoms may appear out of the blue . Chills are often the first indication that you ’ ve got the flu , and fever of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit is very common . You may experience a sore throat , dry cough , headaches , muscle aches , and fatigue . Sometimes , the flu leaves patients feeling so ill , weak , and tired that they remain in bed for days .
What are the emergency warning signs ?
In adults :
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
If any of these happen , contact your physician .
The stomach flu
If you ’ ve heard people talk about stomach flu , it ’ s not actually the same as influenza , or a disease caused by the influenza virus . A disease commonly referred to as the stomach flu , or incorrectly as “ the flu ,” is caused by a virus or bacteria that invades your body , and primary symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea .
Are there medicines to treat the flu ?
Yes . There are drugs your doctor may prescribe for treating the flu called antivirals . These drugs can make you better faster and may also prevent serious complications .
How long should I stay home if I ’ m sick ?
The Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care . You should stay home from work , school , travel , shopping , social events , and public gatherings .
When to get the flu vaccine ?
The CDC recommends taking the flu shot as soon as it is available . It takes the shot about two weeks to take effect and then you will be covered throughout the entire flu season and protection lasts about a year .
Will the vaccine make me sick ?
No . The flu shot is an inactivated ( killed ) virus and will not cause the flu as it did many years ago when the flu shot was a live virus . People can have an allergic reaction but the risk of the vaccine causing serious harm , or death , is extremely small .
HE ’ S GOT YOUR BACK
Spine Pain
Neck Pain
Jean Louis Benae , M . D ., understands that performing minimally invasive spinal surgery is not the only method to relieve back and neck pain .
As one of the most trusted neurosurgeons in McKinney and surrounding communities , his comprehensive approach to spinal health and expertise in neurological conditions can help determine the best way to ease your pain .
Contact Dr . Benae today to get back to your pain-free life .
( 972 ) 534-2852 DrJeanLouisBenae . com
8000 W . Eldorado Parkway , McKinney , TX 75070 MethodistMcKinneyHospital . com
Methodist McKinney Hospital is proud to be physician owned .
COLLIN COUNTY Living Well Magazine | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016
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