Infectious Diseases

Fighting the Flu

Vaccines must contain proteins from the virus in order to get the body to produce protective antibodies. These antibodies will ultimately prevent a full-blown infection and lessen the severity of the symptoms if someone catches the flu virus.

If You've Hit the Mat
If you have the flu, be sure to stay home so you don't spread the infection to your innocent co-workers. But how do you know you've got the flu and not just a bad cold?

The most obvious signs of the flu are a fever between 102° F (39° C) and 104° F (40° C), a bad headache, body aches and severe fatigue and weakness. You may have a dry cough, a sore throat and a stuffy nose. Children, particularly, may also have ear infections, nausea and vomiting. In short, Sengupta says, "You'll probably feel like you can barely get out of bed."

If you develop symptoms like these, contact your doctor within two days. When your flu symptoms are caught early enough, you can try a prescription antiviral medication. They may at least shorten the duration of your misery. The flu often lasts about a week, though people can continue to feel rundown for weeks afterwards. The primary treatment advice is still to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take medicines like Tylenol or Advil to reduce a low fever. "If you're a healthy individual," Sengupta says, "the virus is just going to take its course before the body gets rid of it."

However, if you have a high fever for more than a few days, or if your symptoms have not improved after week, you should get checked out by a doctor.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Certain groups of people are at high risk of developing serious complications from the flu. The CDC considers the following groups of people to be high-priority groups for vaccination.

• All children 6 months to 5-years-old
• Adults age 65 and older
• Women who will be pregnant during the flu season
• Healthcare workers
• Residents of long-term care facilities
• People with underlying medical conditions
• Anyone who cares for or lives with an infant younger than 6 months

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