Today is “Get Ready for FLU Day.” According to the American Lung Association, 5-20% of people in the United States get the flu each year. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus that infects the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue and can also include vomiting and diarrhea.
Adults 65 and older are at higher risk of severe complications as the result of contracting the flu. Flu season starts in October with peaks in the month of December and February. Vaccines are offered through the health department and local participating pharmacies. Now is the time to get vaccinated.
To learn more about the flu and to test your prevention knowledge, check out this article by UFHealth: Flu – UF Health