Health Center - Flu and Cold
Can’t remember if you starve a cold and feed a fever or vice versa? You’re not alone. Flu and cold season is upon us, and it’s important to arm yourself with an arsenal of germ-fighting tools. Get the facts on identifying cold versus flu symptoms, the seasonal flu shot, the H1N1 vaccine and more.
Flu / Colds Guide
Flu-Free and a Mom-to-Be: Flu Season Update
- If you're pregnant, get your flu shot. According to the CDC, the best way to protect yourself against influenza is the flu vaccine. This flu season, one vaccine has been designed to protect against the three main flu strains—including H1N1—that research indicates will cause the most illness during flu season. It is considered safe for pregnant women during any trimester. Pregnant women are a high-risk group for developing complications associated with the flu. The American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, together with the CDC, recommend the seasonal flu vaccine as an important step to protect your health and your baby's health.
- Be alert for news about where and when the seasonal flu vaccine will be available in your area. The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older be vaccinated against the flu, and they say it is especially important for pregnant women and young children This year, one vaccine is designed to protect you against three strains of the flu virus, including the H1N1 flu virus. The vaccine will be available through your health care providers and also may be given at scheduled times at locations such as drugstores, schools and workplaces.
- Learn to recognize flu symptoms. Flu symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches, shortness of breath, chills and fatigue. H1N1 differs from seasonal flu in that a significant number of sufferers also experience diarrhea and vomiting.
- Call your health care provider immediately if you have flu symptoms to determine if you need to be seen. Don't guess about what's causing your symptoms. Ask your health care professional for guidance. Report any of the following symptoms right away: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, decreased or no movement of your baby or a high fever that doesn't respond to medication recommended by your health care professional.
- Ask about treatment options for flu. If your health care provider decides you need treatment for seasonal flu, he or she will most likely prescribe the antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu), within 48 hours of when your symptoms first appear.
