In its "Take 3" campaign, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights three actions Americans can take to fight flu. Flu season runs from November to May and, according to the CDC, sickens millions of Americans each year. Following the CDC's recommendations can help reduce your risk of getting the flu and decrease your chances of developing complications if you do become ill.
Flu Vaccine
The CDC advises getting a flu vaccine each year as your best bet for reducing your risk of getting the flu. The flu vaccine comes in two forms. The first is an inactivated or "killed" form of the virus that is injected into the muscle of the arm (or thigh for infants). The second is a live, attenuated or weakened form of the virus that is administered as an intranasal spray. Most people are candidates for one or both vaccines.
Preventive Actions
According to the CDC, everyday preventive actions can also help reduce your risk of getting the flu. For example, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and, afterward, discard the tissue in the trash. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before you eat or touch your nose and mouth. If you can't wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand rub as an alternative. Also, avoid contact with sick people. If you become sick, stay home--except for medical appointments--and try to limit your contact with others as much as possible.
Flu Antiviral Drugs
For some people--including pregnant women, young children, people aged 65 and older and people with certain medical problems--antiviral drugs may help risk the severity and duration of flu. The Food and Drug Administration has approved two antiviral drugs, oseltamivir and zanamivir, for the treatment of seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu. Both are available by prescription only, but not everyone needs antiviral drugs. In fact, according to the CDC, most people with flu recover without any treatment at all. However, if you are in one of the high-risk groups listed above, you should let your doctor know right away because antiviral drugs are most effective when taken within two days of symptom onset.
