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Recognize Influenza Early

Flu season in the United States usually ranges from November through March.
 

Also called the Flu, it is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza viruses. It is important that students get a flu vaccination each year to lessen the risk of getting a very bad case of influenza.

Symptoms of influenza

  • fever--usually high over 100 degrees.
  • headache
  • extreme tiredness
  • dry cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • muscle aches
  • nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. (Most common in children.)

Flu spreads usually from person to person through coughing or sneezing. People may also become infected by touching people with the virus. Most healthy adults can start the spread of the virus one or more days before they even know that they are sick.

The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get a flu shot each year.

See also the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Good Health Habits for prevention of influenza

  1. Avoid close contact.
  2. stay home when you are sick.
  3. cover your mouth and nose. Either cough or sneeze into your elbow or cover with tissue. This will help prevent others from being infected.
  4. Wash your hands often.
  5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth unless you know that your hands are not infected with the virus.
  6. Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, exercise, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy foods.

Influenza Information Flyer