Fever. Cough. Sore throat. Runny or stuffy nose. Body aches. Headache. Chills. Fatigue.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have the flu. It’s a serious contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death in certain vulnerable populations. “The most important thing to know about the flu is that you can avoid it,” says Debbie Maile, Director of Infection Prevention at Southampton Hospital.
Get Your Flu Shot
To protect our community from illness, Southampton Hospital will host a Free Flu Clinic on Friday, November 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Parrish Memorial Hall (corner of Herrick Rd. & Lewis St., Southampton Village). Patients must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. No appointment is required.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “The flu vaccine protects against the viruses that research indicates will be most common [in the upcoming flu season]… Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu each year.” Vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk for flu-related complications, including:
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- Children younger than 5
- People 65 and older
- Pregnant women
- People with certain health conditions (check with your doctor)
Stay Healthy: Wash Your Hands
The flu is spread in droplets that become air-borne and fall on surfaces when people with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Healthy people can get the flu if they touch these droplets and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets can also be breathed in through the nose or mouth.
Flu virus can be spread 1 day before someone feels sick and up to 7 days after they become sick. The contagious period is often longer for children and people with weakened immune systems, according to the CDC.
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“To stay healthy, try to stay away from sick people and wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand rub,” says Ms. Maile. It is especially important to wash your hands after being around someone who is sick, visiting a public place, changing a baby’s diaper, or using the bathroom. Also, wash your hands before eating.
