Ready. Set. Protect.

Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It spreads between people and can cause mild to severe illness.

The flu vaccine is the best protection against the flu. Proper hand hygiene and good cough etiquette are also critical. Wash and sanitize your hands frequently. Cover all coughs and cough into your sleeve.

If you suspect you have the flu, visit a Minor Medical Center for a flu test. There are anti-viral medications that can be prescribed by your doctor, but these medications are most effective when given early in the course of illness. Drink fluids and get plenty of rest. Acetaminophen helps with aches, pains and fever reduction. To protect others, stay home for 24 hours after the fever goes away.

No. The shot can protect you to some effect as early as seven days after the vaccine, although full protection takes two to three weeks. Thus, a flu shot now can protect during this outbreak.

In general, healthy adults 18-49 years of age may receive either the injection or the aerosolized (nasal spray) version of the vaccine. Adults 50 years or older should receive the injectable vaccine, as should adults with underlying medical conditions. Please ask your pediatrician for information on flu shots for children under 18.

Uncomplicated flu (fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, generally feeling sick) can and should be diagnosed through a flu test, at your primary care clinic or minor medical center. Flu complications, including severe dehydration and infections of the brain or lungs, should be addressed in the Emergency Room. Pneumonia, when the disease moves into the lungs, is an additional flu complication that should be addressed in the Emergency Room.

It varies from year to year. Six to eight weeks would be typical, and a second wave from a different strain could occur later or even overlap with another outbreak.