You can fight the flu by getting your flu vaccine, taking care of yourself and encouraging others to protect themselves and their loved ones by doing the same.
While the timing of flu season is unpredictable, seasonal flu activity most commonly peaks between December and February, but can last as late as May, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
Besides getting the flu vaccine, the CDC and MDHHS recommend these everyday precautions:
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people; and, if you become sick, limit your contact with others
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Help stop the spread of germs at home, work, and school
- Practice other good health habits, such as get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food
People ages 65 years and older are at high risk of getting seriously ill from the flu because of the weakening of their immune systems that happens with age.
It's not too late to get a flu vaccine. Also, take antiviral drugs to treat the flu if they are prescribed to you.
