Autumn is here! So is the flu! In this season most of us are suffering from drastic weather fluctuations. These caused by the heavy fluctuations in humidity, temperature and atmospheric pressure. Let us first understand what is Flu? Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory disease that infects the nose, throat, and lungs and can lead to serious complications, hospitalization, and it can be as serious as death.  The flu can cause certain health conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, and heart & lung disease. Flu season normally starts in the fall and peaks in January and February.

Who?

• Seniors those who are 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• Children who are younger than 5 but especially children younger than 2
• People  with chronic health conditions
• People who are immunosuppressed
• People who will be pregnant during the flu season
• People are morbidly obese
• American Indians/ Alaska Natives

Symptoms:

People often confuse themselves that flu and cold are the same. Thought, it can be difficult to tell the differences between them. To make sure, the first action to take after the few days of your illness is to visit your health care provider. He/ she can give you a test to determine whether or not you have the flu. The flu is worse than the common cold. The flu symptoms include:

• A 100^oF or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)
• A cough and/or sore throat
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches and/or body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (this is most common in children)

As mentioned before that flu can be real dangerous to some certain people. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following (which is what you should be doing now!):

• Confusion
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Purple or blue discoloration on the lips
• 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

Actions:

The best way to protect you from the flu is to get a flu vaccine yearly! Even if you got flu shot last year but flu viruses constantly change by season. Flu vaccines are always updated from one season to another to protect against the flu viruses. Another reason to get the vaccine yearly is that a person’s immune protection from vaccination wears off over time.

Also, practice good health habits such as covering your mouth with your inner elbow when coughs, washing hands often, and avoiding people who are sick.

It is good to visit your doctor often to see whether you might need medical evaluation or treatments.

*If you loved ones need assistance, you can always contact us at (888) 534-8082, email: info@phcsicare.com, or check CONTACT US tap on our site.

Sources: www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/65over.htm, www.cdc.gov/Features/FLU/, www.flu.gov/about_the_flu/seasonal/, http://www.flu.gov/symptoms-treatment/symptoms/, http://www.easternct.edu/health/images/flu.jpg