What are the symptoms of influenza?
• Fever--often with chills and headache
• Fatigue and muscle aches
• Cough, sore throat, and a runny or stuffy nose
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially in children
What can be done to prevent influenza?
The best prevention is a flu shot. Because influenza viruses change frequently, and because protection from the vaccine decreases with time, people should get a shot every year, preferably between September and mid-November.
The easiest and most convenient method to obtain a flu vaccination is at the New England Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund’s annual Health Fairs. Attend the health fair in your area and receive your free flu shot (members and dependants 18 years and older).
Influenza, a respiratory illness commonly called the flu, is one of the most serious diseases that LIUNA members and their families are affected by. Influenza is spread easily from person-to-person. Each year an estimated 10% to 20% of Americans get the flu. On average, 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu-related illnesses, and an estimated 36,000 people die each year from complications of the flu.
The time to consider getting vaccinated begins in September. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that people with diabetes and other chronic medical conditions and those at high risk for complications from the flu get vaccinated as early as possible. However, people who are not in high risk categories can receive their vaccine as late as December.