You are doing everything you can – washing your hands constantly, sanitizing frequently used items, getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated. However, sometimes the flu still makes its way into your home when you least expect it.

As cases are on the rise here and across the country, be prepared with these tips from Dr. Vinitha Moopen, pediatrician at WellSpan Family & Pediatric Medicine in Rothsville.

How it spreads

The flu spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, spreading the droplets that contain the virus. You also can contract the flu by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

The flu is contagious from a day before the first symptom to up to a week afterward. It is known to be most contagious three to four days after your symptoms begin. People with weakened immune systems like the elderly and infants can be contagious for a longer period. 

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of the virus can vary, depending on a person’s age and if they’ve been vaccinated. The flu can cause mild to severe illness. Those who have the flu often feel some of these signs and symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Vomiting and diarrhea (mostly in children)

People 65 years and older, people of any age with a chronic medical condition, pregnant women and children under 5 years of age are at a higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications.

Prevention and treatments

Infants may receive a vaccination to protect against the flu as early as 6 months old. It is recommended that adults and children should receive the vaccine yearly to minimize symptoms if contracting the virus.

Providers can treat the flu with antiviral medications if it’s confirmed within 48 hours of onset, which reduces the risk of severe illness and shortens the amount of time you are sick.

Dr. Moopen suggests the following tips if the flu is bugging you:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink fluids often to prevent dehydration.
• Apply heat to help with achiness.
• Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen (6 months +) to help lower your fever and relieve aches.
• Use saline spray to help with congestion.

Keeping germs from spreading

Other ways to reduce your risk of getting the flu include:

• Practice good hand hygiene.
• Cover your nose or mouth when you sneeze or cough. Try doing so into a tissue rather than your hand.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth.
• Don’t share food, drinks or eating utensils.

When to see a physician

Contact your healthcare provider if you are at a high risk for severe illness, your symptoms aren’t improving after seven to 10 days or if your fever lasts longer than three days.

WellSpan provides many convenient care options, learn more at www.wellspan.org/getcarenow.