{"version":"1.0","provider_name":"CFMG Member Website","provider_url":"https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org","title":"Flu Season: What You Need to Know","type":"rich","width":600,"height":338,"html":"<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"hinXhW8N1L\"><a href=\"https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/index.php\/2024\/09\/18\/influenzavirus\/\">Flu Season:  What You Need to Know<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" src=\"https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/index.php\/2024\/09\/18\/influenzavirus\/embed\/#?secret=hinXhW8N1L\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" title=\"&#8220;Flu Season:  What You Need to Know&#8221; &#8212; CFMG Member Website\" data-secret=\"hinXhW8N1L\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\"><\/iframe><script>\n\/**\n * WordPress inline HTML embed\n *\n * @since 4.4.0\n * @output wp-includes\/js\/wp-embed.js\n *\n * Single line comments should not be used since they will break\n * the script when inlined in get_post_embed_html(), specifically\n * when the comments are not stripped out due to SCRIPT_DEBUG\n * being turned on.\n *\/\n(function ( window, document ) {\n\t'use strict';\n\n\t\/* Abort for ancient browsers. *\/\n\tif ( ! document.querySelector || ! window.addEventListener || typeof URL === 'undefined' ) {\n\t\treturn;\n\t}\n\n\t\/** @namespace wp *\/\n\twindow.wp = window.wp || {};\n\n\t\/* Abort if script was already executed. *\/\n\tif ( !! window.wp.receiveEmbedMessage ) {\n\t\treturn;\n\t}\n\n\t\/**\n\t * Receive embed message.\n\t *\n\t * @param {MessageEvent} e\n\t *\/\n\twindow.wp.receiveEmbedMessage = function( e ) {\n\t\tvar data = e.data;\n\n\t\t\/* Verify shape of message. *\/\n\t\tif (\n\t\t\t! 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Let\u2019s remember to stay protected and healthy.\u00a0 Let\u2019s Talk About In(flu)enza:\u00a0 Influenza, better known as The Flu, is a respiratory sickness that can be often mistaken as a common cold. Like most viruses, influenza has different strains or types that stem from the virus. Influenza has four! The two types that we should pay attention to are Influenza A and B. Why? These two types, A and B, are primarily responsible for what we hear called\u00a0 \u201cthe flu season\u201d. Influenza is contagious and can spread person to person. Now, let\u2019s dive into some more helpful information about the flu.\u00a0 \u00a0 Is the Flu Seasonal?\u00a0 Ever heard someone say, \u201cEveryone\u2019s got a cold\u2014it must be flu season\u201d? Well, that\u2019s because the flu does have a season! While the flu virus is around all year, it\u2019s most active during the fall and winter months. According to the CDC, flu cases start to rise in October and hit their peak between December and February. So yes, flu season is real! This is the time of year when we need to be extra careful and take steps to stay healthy. In the San Francisco Bay Area our flu season is heavily influenced by travel during the holiday season, Thanksgiving to New Years. People from colder climates where the flu season has already kicked in often travel to their families in the Bay Area. Consequently our flu season frequently begins over the holidays and peaks shortly after our holiday season has concluded.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 What can you do to protect yourself?\u00a0 The best way to protect your kids and family from the flu is by getting the flu vaccine! Shots might seem scary, but they\u2019re here to help keep us safe. What does the shot do?\u00a0 Does the flu shot give you the flu? When you get the influenza vaccine, it helps your body build antibodies that fight off the influenza virus . Once the vaccine is in your system it takes up to 2 weeks for it to kick in and protect you from the flu.\u00a0 It does not give you the virus, it only gives you antibodies to fight the virus off! Here\u2019s what you should know:\u00a0 While the flu shot is the most effective way to prevent getting the virus,\u00a0 if you do catch it, the vaccine is designed to reduce how severe your illness is. Each year, it prevents millions of flu cases,\u00a0 flu hospitalizations, and deaths, even in kids!\u00a0 It\u2019s recommended to get your flu shot once a year. So, at your next doctor\u2019s appointment, don\u2019t forget to ask for it\u2014or take the first step by calling and scheduling your flu vaccine today! Anyone that is 6 months or older can receive the flu shot annually.\u00a0 If you do get the flu\u2026your doctor can prescribe medication that can shorten the duration &amp; severity of the illness. In order for the medication to be effective it must be prescribed within the\u00a0 first two days. The flu shot can be life saving and it could prevent you from getting the virus this upcoming season!\u00a0 \u00a0 Day-to-Day Preventive Actions Keep a safe distance from those who are sick and if you happen to become sick, limit your contact with others! Practice clean air circulation in enclosed spaces. Open windows,\u00a0 purchase an air purifier, or even take a few moments outdoors to breathe in the crisp fall air.\u00a0 Cover your coughs and sneezes. Remember it\u2019s important to cover the nose and mouth.\u00a0 Let\u2019s not spread germs! Always wash your hands for at least 30 seconds. Unlike COVID, the flu and the common cold can be transmitted through surfaces. Lucky for us, there are antiviral sprays available to purchase to help protect us from these contagious surfaces.\u00a0 \u00a0 Differences Between a Common Cold vs The Flu The influenza virus can bring a range of symptoms\u2014from coughs, sore throats or severe fever. And for young kids and our older loved ones, it can be especially risky. How do you know if it\u2019s just a cold or something more? Knowing the difference between a common cold and the flu is key to keeping everyone safe and healthy. Check out the chart below to spot the differences! SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS COLD FLU Symptom Onset Gradual Abrupt Fever Rare\u00a0 Usual Aches Slight Usual Chills Uncommon Fairly common Fatigue, Weakness Sometimes Usual Sneezing Common Sometimes Chest discomfort, cough Mild to moderate Common Stuffy Nose Common Sometimes Sore Throat Common Sometimes Headache Rare Common COVID-19 vs The Flu: Is there a Difference?\u00a0 Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, telling the difference between the flu and coronavirus has become trickier. But here\u2019s the simple truth: they\u2019re not the same! Both viruses share a lot of similar symptoms, making it tough to figure out which one you have based on symptoms alone. So, let\u2019s break it down and take a look at the symptoms they have in common: Fever Body aches or chills Sore throat Cough Shortness of breath Headache\u00a0 Runny or Stuffy nose Fatigue\u00a0 Nausea or vomiting\u00a0 \u00a0 Want to make sure you\u2019re taking the right steps if you catch one of these illnesses? The best thing you can do is take a test! Luckily, there are tests available for both the flu and COVID-19 to help you know exactly what you&#8217;re dealing with and how to handle it. Similarly to the flu, there\u2019s medication available for Covid-19. Make sure to ask your doctor if you think you have Covid.\u00a0 Sources:\u00a0 https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/prevent\/vaccine-benefits.htm https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/about\/season\/index.html https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/prevent\/misconceptions.htm https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/coronavirus\/in-depth\/coronavirus-vs-flu\/art-20490339","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sick-kid-front.jpg"}