The flu is a common contagious respiratory illness that spreads through the air and contaminated surfaces. Flu season is typically October through April, with peak flu activity occurring during the winter months (December, January, and February). Flu symptoms can develop rapidly and may leave you feeling exhausted and miserable for one to two weeks.

The good news is that the flu is preventable. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your family — and recognize and treat flu symptoms if you do get infected.

Is it the flu or something else?

Even if you’re vaccinated, you can still get the flu. And sometimes it’s hard to tell if you have the flu, another viral infection (such as COVID-19 or the common cold), or a bacterial infection (like strep throat).

Symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever and/or chills
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Runny nose and/or congestion
• Muscle or body aches
• Fatigue
• Headache

You may not experience all of these symptoms if you have the flu. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of other illnesses, such as COVID-19, RSV, the common cold, or strep throat. The only way to know is to get tested. Check with your local pharmacy. They may offer rapid on-site testing and/or over-the-counter home testing kits for COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and strep throat.

You may not experience all of these symptoms if you have the flu. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of other illnesses, such as COVID-19, RSV, the common cold, or strep throat. The only way to know is to get tested. Check with your local pharmacy. They may offer rapid on-site testing and/or over-the-counter home testing kits for COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and strep throat.

How can you prevent the flu?

The best thing you can do to prevent the flu is to get the annual flu vaccine. The best time to get the flu vaccine is between early September and late October. This is early enough to ensure that your body has built maximum immunity before the flu season begins — and late enough that you’re at lesser risk of immunity wearing off before flu season ends.

Most pharmacies offer on-site flu shots. Contact your local pharmacist to schedule.

While the flu shot is not 100% effective at preventing the flu, vaccinated individuals who do contract the flu are less likely to experience serious complications.

Other ways to further reduce your risk of catching the flu include:

• Wash your hands regularly — especially before and after cooking and eating, after using the bathroom, and when you come home from being out in public.
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces, like countertops and light switches.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Stop smoking. (Smoking reduces your immune system’s ability to fight off illness.)

Can kids get the flu shot?

Yes, everyone six months old or older can get the flu shot. It’s especially important that young children get vaccinated because those under the age of five — and especially those under the age of two — are at an increased risk of developing serious complications from the flu. The flu vaccine will not only help prevent kids from getting the flu but will reduce the risk of hospitalization and death if they do contract it.

The first time a child gets the flu shot, they need two shots, at least four weeks apart, to get complete protection.

Who is most at risk of complications from the flu?

While everyone is at risk of serious complications from the flu, certain individuals are more susceptible than others. Those at increased risk of flu complications include:

• Adults 65+.
• Children under the age of two.
• People with chronic lung conditions, including asthma and COPD.
• People with other chronic health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, and kidney disease.
• People with a body mass index (BMI) of 40+.
• People with a weakened immune system due to illness (such as people with HIV/AIDS or leukemia) or medications (such as chemotherapy, radiation, or immunosuppressing drugs for people with transplanted organs).
• Pregnant women.
• People who live in nursing homes or other congregate care facilities.

What to do if you have the flu

If you’re at higher risk of complications, check in with your doctor or pharmacist. Treatment with an antiviral within 48 hours of symptom onset can help reduce the duration of your illness and lower your risk of serious complications.

Most cases of the flu can be treated at home. Try these tips:

• Get a lot of rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Take acetaminophen or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium) to reduce pain and fever. (Children younger than six months should only be given acetaminophen.)
• Use cough drops or throat lozenges to ease a sore throat and cough. (Don’t give these to children younger than age four to prevent choking.)
• Try a saline nasal spray or drops for congestion. (For infants and toddlers, try a rubber suction bulb.)
• Use a humidifier or cool mist vaporizer to ease nasal and chest congestion.

While the flu can typically be managed at home, sometimes it can turn more serious. Call your doctor if you experience signs of a sinus infection or ear infection, or if your symptoms persist for more than two weeks.

Some more severe symptoms can be indications that you have lifethreatening complications from the flu. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention right away.

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Ongoing dizziness or confusion
• Inability to be woken up
• Seizures
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Severe muscle pain, unsteadiness, or weakness
• Not urinating
• Cough or fever that improves but then returns or worsens
• Worsening of chronic any medical conditions

Good Neighbor Pharmacy is your one-stop destination for flu prevention tips, immunizations, and treatments. Find a pharmacy for personalized help and symptom relief.