See which masks are being recalled and what you should do if you have one.

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Learn how to reduce your risk of getting the flu

Flu season has been largely overshadowed over the last few years by COVID-19. However, Australia’s rough flu season has many medical experts concerned about the United States flu season this winter.

“Anyone can get the flu, and many health experts are predicting the flu season will be severe,” says Terry Burger, RN, Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN)'s Administrator of Infection Control and Prevention. “Australia, which experiences its flu season before ours, had its worst flu season in five years.”

Getting the flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu. “There is plenty of evidence-based research that shows vaccination decreases hospital visits, hospitalizations, lost workdays and lost time at school,” Burger says. “The flu shot is your best method for protecting yourself and your family.”

Everyone age 6 months and older should get a flu shot each year. Talk with your health care provider to understand if you have any reasons to not get a flu shot.

There are many myths surrounding the flu vaccine, including whether the vaccine can give you the flu. “It’s an inactivated vaccine. You absolutely cannot get the flu from the flu shot,” Burger says.

As we move into a time of year when flu becomes more widespread, make time to get your flu shot. “Flu shots save lives,” Burger says. “You will not only protect yourself but will help reduce the risk of spreading the flu to the people you love.”

When it comes to avoiding the flu, frequent hand washing is important. Washing your hands frequently and correctly can help remove viruses and other microbes from your skin. Alcohol-based hand cleansers can be used when you can’t wash your hands.

Remember to avoid touching your face after touching surfaces that others have touched like: doorknobs, cabinet handles, telephones, faucet handles, microwave or fridge handles, remote controls, shopping cart push handles, etc.

Also, clean surfaces to help remove viruses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says common cleaners, including soap, chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide, can kill the flu virus on surfaces.

If you do end up contracting the flu, Burger says there are ways to avoid spreading the virus to others:

It’s also important to recognize the symptoms of the flu so you can differentiate it from other common winter illnesses. Flu symptoms come on suddenly and include fever, body aches, chills, tiredness, cough and headache, and for some people sneezing, stuffy nose and sore throat. The CDC says cold symptoms are milder than flu symptoms. If you go to the doctor and are diagnosed with influenza, you may be treated with antiviral medication.

If your symptoms seem severe, you may need care at the ER, says Burger. “Go to the hospital if you have shortness of breath, prolonged illness that doesn’t seem to be getting better or chest pain,” she says.

©2022 Lehigh Valley Health Network