How do I manage the flu?

Dr. Jeff Pernica, infectious disease doctor at Hamilton Health Sciences, talks about how you can prevent and manage the flu.

  • Get lots of rest and stay hydrated.
  • Avoid contact with others. Stay home when you’re sick!
  • Most people with the flu don’t need medical care, but if you or a loved one have difficulty breathing or cannot drink enough to stay hydrated, seek medical attention.
  • Year-round but especially during flu season, children with trouble breathing and infants (1 month or younger) with a fever should be seen by a medical professional immediately.
  • REMEMBER: The flu is a virus. Antibiotics only work against bacteria, meaning they can’t fight flu. Using antibiotics unnecessarily can have negative side effects on your body.

Where can I get the flu shot?

The flu shot is safe, free, and available from your doctor or nurse practitioner, public health clinics, and some pharmacies.

Search clinic locations near you and call in advance of visiting for more information about appointments.

How do I prevent the flu?

Prevention is key to tackling the flu.

  • Get your flu shot – it’s the best way to prevent the flu! Find a clinic in the Hamilton area here.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water after exposure to anyone who has fever, runny nose, cough, difficulty breathing, or is sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Disinfect surfaces like doorhandles and phones.

Support in managing the flu

A lot of people aren’t sure what to do when they think they’re coming down with the flu. The answer might surprise you.

In adults who are otherwise healthy, the best thing to do if you’re feeling unwell is to rest, stay hydrated and stay home from work. Generally, healthy adults don’t need to see a doctor for the flu unless they are having difficulty breathing or trouble functioning. If you are having substantial difficulty breathing, visit the emergency department.

Generally, healthy kids who are showing flu symptoms don’t need to see a doctor. They should rest, drink lots of fluids and stay home from school if they feel unwell. If your child is very unwell and/or has the following symptoms, they should see a doctor:

  • trouble breathing
  • they can’t keep liquids down and are vomiting (reduced appetite is okay, but if they’re not drinking, seek help)

Remember: cold and flu symptoms may last 1-2 weeks and can fluctuate during that time. Symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Chills
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches

What are some major flu myths?

MYTH #1: You can get the flu from the flu shot.
False! The flu shot doesn’t contain a live virus so it’s impossible to get the flu from the flu shot. Some people experience brief and mild side effects, including pain in the arm when you get the show, tiredness, muscle pain, fever and headaches.

MYTH #2: Once I have the shot I can’t spread the flu.
False! It takes two weeks for the flu shot to be fully effective, so you can still get the flu and pass it on in that period. Even if you’re vaccinated, you can transport germs from one surface to another that might infect someone else. In addition to getting the shot, it’s important to wash your hands, disinfect common surfaces and avoid contact with people who have the flu.

MYTH #3: I never get sick so I don’t need the flu shot.
False! Even if you don’t show symptoms, you can get the flu and pass it on to someone more vulnerable than yourself. Babies, seniors and people with existing illnesses are at higher risk of developing serious complications, or even dying from the flu. By protecting yourself, you’re protecting them, too.

When should I worry about my child?

Generally, healthy kids who are showing flu symptoms don’t need to see a doctor. They should rest, drink lots of fluids and stay home from school if they feel unwell. If your child is very unwell and/or has the following symptoms, they should see a doctor:

  • they are having trouble breathing
  • they can’t keep liquids down and are vomiting (reduced appetite is okay, but if they’re not drinking, seek help).

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