get your flu shots At the Lincoln County Health Department!

Please call (636) 528-6117 for more information and to make an appointment.

What is Influenza?

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory sickness caused by influenza viruses. Serious outcomes of flu can result in hospitalization or death. Some people have a higher chance of serious complications, such as:

• Older adults (65 and older)

• Young children (less than 5 years old)

• People with certain health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease

Vaccination

For everyone that is 6 months and older, the best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated every year (with some exceptions). For the 2022-2023 season, there are now 3 higher dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines that are recommended for people who are 65 and older. 

It is recommended to receive a yearly flu vaccine in September or October. While it is recommended to be vaccinated by the end of October, you can still receive protection from peak flu season if you are vaccinated after October.

Flu Prevention

Your best line of defense for the flu is to get vaccinated yearly but there are some additional preventative actions you can take as well.

• Avoid close contact to people who are sick.

• Limit contact with others if you are sick.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes.

• Wash hands often with soap and water. If unable to, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms usually come on suddenly. These symptoms may include:

• Fever

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Muscle of body aches

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

COVID-19 or Influenza?

These are both contagious respiratory illness, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 spreads more easily than the flu, can cause more severe illness in some and symptoms may take longer to show. However, you cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 by symptoms alone because the signs and symptoms are the same. Specific diagnostic testing is needed to differentiate. More information can be found here.

Treatment

You may be prescribed antiviral drugs from your doctor if you are sick with the flu. Antiviral drugs can make flu illness milder, shorten that time you are sick, and may prevent serious flu complications. These medications work best when started early, such as 1-2 days after symptoms begin.

While you are sick, stay away from others to help prevent infecting them. The CDC recommends you stay home for at least 24 hours of being fever-free. Follow the preventative steps that are mentioned above as well to help stop the spread.

Last Reviewed 12/28/2022