What are the best ways to avoid getting the flu?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and can also be contracted by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face.

Symptoms of influenza include:

• Sudden fever
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Muscle or joint aches
• Headaches
• Extreme tiredness
• Sometimes, vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)

What are the best ways to avoid getting the flu?

Avoiding the flu requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some of the best ways to reduce your risk:

• Get Vaccinated: The flu vaccine is your best defense. It’s designed to protect against the most common strains of the flu virus each year.
• Wash Your Hands Frequently: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid Close Contact with Sick People: Try to stay away from people who are coughing, sneezing, or showing other signs of illness.
• Cover Your Mouth and Nose: Use a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of germs. Dispose of tissues immediately and wash your hands.
• Avoid Touching Your Face: Germs can enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth. Try to keep your hands away from your face.
• Clean and Disinfect: Regularly clean surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs, like doorknobs, light switches, and cell phones.
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: A strong immune system can help fight off infections. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and manage stress.
• Stay Home if You’re Sick: To avoid spreading the flu to others, stay home when you’re feeling unwell.
• Avoid Crowded Places: If possible, avoid crowded places during peak flu season to reduce the risk of exposure to the flu virus.

These simple but effective measures can significantly reduce your chances of catching the flu.

What are the effectiveness rates of the flu vaccine?

The effectiveness of the flu vaccine can vary from year to year and depends on several factors, including the match between the vaccine strains and the circulating strains of the virus. According to the CDC, the overall adjusted vaccine effectiveness (VE) for flu seasons from 2004 to 2024 has ranged from about 19% to 60%.

For example, during the 2023-2024 flu season, preliminary data shows that the vaccine effectiveness for preventing flu-related doctor visits was around 59% to 67% for children and 52% to 61% for adults.

It's important to note that even when the vaccine is not a perfect match, it can still provide significant protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and complications from the flu.

Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. In severe cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed.