Take action against the flu this year

• People who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia if they get sick with the flu. These people include:
  • Those who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes and chronic lung disease.
  • Pregnant women
  • People who are 65 years and older
• People who live with or care for others who are at high risk of developing serious complications.
  • This includes household contacts and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes and chronic lung disease.

People may be able to pass on the flu to someone before they are aware they are sick, as well as while you are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. For those individuals with weakened immune systems, especially young children, they may be able to infect others for an even longer amount of time.

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuff nose
• Fever (not everyone with flu will have a fever)
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting or diarrhea – more common in children than adults

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you have been out in public or touched things that other people have touched. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand rub.
• Stay home when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, the CDC recommends you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine).

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