The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that hospitalizes an estimated 200,000 people a year. Don’t be one of them! Arm yourself with Dr. Raj’s flu facts and advice so you protect yourself this flu season…

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Common Symptoms:

Fever and/or chills (it’s important to note that not EVERYONE with the flu will have a fever)
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue
Antibiotics will not work to cure your flu. However, antiviral medications could ease your symptoms if you’re feeling very sick.

How It Spreads:

Flu viruses spread mainly via droplets released into the air when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you even know you are sick. You could be contagious up to one full day before symptoms develop and 5-7 days after becoming sick. Flu virus germs can live on hard surfaces for up to 24 hours. That’s a LONG time – so be sure you wash your hands often. If someone with the flu coughs or sneezes near you, their germs can fly between 6 to 10 feet through the air.

If you’ve been exposed to someone with the flu and do not experience flu-like symptoms after 4 days, you’re most likely in the clear!

Flu In The USA:

Flu costs the USA more than $87 billion annually – including an estimated $10.4 billion a year in direct medical expenses and an additional $16.3 billion in lost earnings annually. That’s a LOT of moolah! Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. between December and February, but can begin as early as October.

The 411 On The Flu Vaccine:

The flu shot is your best defense! Nearly everyone over 6 months of age (even pregnant women throughout all three trimesters) are encouraged to get the flu shot. “The flu shot can make you get the flu” is a total MYTH. You could experience some pesky side effects, but not the full-blown flu. If you do come down with the flu after getting the shot, you were going to get it anyway.

The flu vaccine may take up to two weeks to start protecting you – so try to get it EARLY in the season. If you’re afraid of needles, don’t worry! Intradermal shots (that inject you just under the skin) and nasal sprays could be perfect alternatives for you.

Prevention:

Keep your hands away from your face! Touching an object and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth is one of the fastest ways to infect yourself.

In addition to the foods we mentioned on the show, the “tried and true” trifecta of sleep, exercise, and water will help bolster your immune system. The antioxidants in green tea and black tea can also help ward off illnesses.