Avoiding the Flu - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Avoiding the Flu

By Natalie Zarowny
nzarowny@cbs4qc.com

Health experts can't stress it enough, they say the best thing you can do to avoid the flu, is to get a vaccine.

"Have it once and you will never miss your vaccination again," said Ken Croken of Genesis Health System.

Local drugstores and treatment centers like Genesis Convenient Care Clinics still have plenty of flu shots.

"As a community, we are as a well–prepared as any," said Croken.

But even if you've gotten the vaccine, there are measures everyone should take to stay healthy.

If you're coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve.

Wash your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Don't have close contact with people who are sick.

And most importantly, stay home if you are sick.

"We want to stress to people about staying home if they're sick, that's the big thing, stay home, that means don't go to work, don't go to church," said Roma Taylor of the Scott County Health Department.

It's also important to know signs of the flu.

Some of the biggies are a high fever, extreme body aches, headaches, coughing, and a runny or stuffy nose.

Sometimes there are misconceptions about the symptoms of a true case of influenza.

"Flu is respiratory, it's not the diarrhea and vomiting, that's probably a Norovirus, so there's no such thing as the stomach flu," said Taylor.

If you or someone you're close to does get the flu, it's also important to know what to do.

Plenty of rest and liquids are key.

When the fever and cough symptoms arrive, over the counter medications can relieve some of the pain.

And of course, disinfecting will prevent spread.

Health experts said most of the time, the flu is unpleasant, but recoverable.

But it's important to not take preventative measures and treatment lightly.

"Flu is a very, very serious illness that can kill," said Croken.

Experts say every vaccination actually prevents about four cases of flu.