Flu fighters

Fall means foliage, festive holidays … and the flu? Sadly, yes. Though the virus hangs around all year, cases tend to ramp up in October and are high until May, peaking in February.

While getting the flu may have been unpleasant when you were younger, as you get older and your immune system slows down, you’re at a higher risk of developing potentially serious complications from the virus. Plus, if you have certain conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease, or have had a stroke, your odds of getting sicker can be higher.

The good news: Vaccines are available (though the flu vaccine doesn’t protect against COVID-19 — you need a separate vaccine for that), and there are ways to lower your risk of getting sick. Here’s how to stay healthy this flu season.

Get your annual flu shot

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from the flu virus and related complications, says Michael Jhung, M.D., associate director for epidemiologic science in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Influenza Division. His advice? Aim to get vaccinated in September or October, before the virus starts spreading in your community. Protection kicks in about two weeks after getting the shot.

If you miss that window, you should still get vaccinated. Flu season stretches through the spring, so you’ll want the protection. Another smart tip: Ask about the “senior flu shot.” These flu shots for people 65 and older contain either a higher dose or an extra ingredient to help weakened immune systems mount a stronger response to the vaccine. Your doctor can help you decide if one of the two options is right for you.

• High-dose flu vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose) contains four times the amount of flu virus antigen — the part that sparks the immune system.
• Adjuvanted flu vaccine (Fluad Quadrivalent) contains an adjuvant, an ingredient added to the vaccine to help create a stronger immune response.

If you get one of these shots, you may experience mild side effects, such as headache, muscle aches, or redness or swelling at the injection site. These usually resolve within one to three days.

Stay-healthy habits

Turns out, your mom’s smart advice can also help you keep influenza at bay. You know the drill:

• Get plenty of sleep
• Stay hydrated
• Eat healthy foods
• Exercise and manage stress
• Avoid people who are sick
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Stay home if you’re under the weather
• Wash hands often with soap and water
• Wipe down high-traffic surfaces

You’ve got the flu. Now what?

Your scratchy throat has turned into full-blown body aches, fatigue, coughing fits, and fever. Your first order of business? Contact your doctor. They may want to prescribe an antiviral medication, which can help you feel better faster and potentially prevent complications. “Treatment works best when started soon after flu illness begins,” Dr. Jhung says. Typically, this is within the first 24 to 48 hours. While there’s no cure for the flu, there are ways to keep yourself comfortable.

Rest. The extra z’s will help your body build its immune system.

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids.

Try OTC meds. Ask your doctor about treating fever or body aches with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Isolate. Stay away from others to prevent spread.

Wash your hands regularly. This also helps to prevent getting others sick.