Department of Health Home A to Z Topics About the Department of Health Site Map Contact Us - Opens in a new window
floridashealth.com
Bureau of Immunization: Immunizations Across the Lifespan
A.G. Holley State Hospital Epidemiology STD Tuberculosis & Refugee Health

Flu Prevention

Fight the Flu

Locate a Flu Shot

Check with your physician or use one of these convenient locators to schedule your flu vaccine.

SoapFlu Prevention

Follow these simple steps to prevent the Flu

  • Wash your hands often - The most common way to catch the flu is to touch your own eyes, nose or mouth with germy hands.
  • Keep your hands away from your face
  • Keep your distance when you are sick
  • Keep your distance if you are around someone else who is sick
  • Stay home
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing and coughing
  • You can still spread germs up to 7 days after getting sick
  • Additionally, Pneumococcal vaccine is available and recommended for persons at increased risk for serious Pneumococcal infection, including those age 2 years or older with certain chronic medical conditions and all persons aged 65 years or older.

See also: An Ounce of Prevention: Keep Germs Away http://www.cdc.gov/ounceofprevention/
Stop the Spread of Germs: Actions for Schools http://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/

How Do You Know if it is the Flu?

Typically, symptoms of the flu include:

  • High Fever (102-104 degrees F) for 3-4 days
  • Headache
  • Body aches and pains
  • Fatigue and Weakness that may last up to 2-3 weeks
  • Early and significant Exhaustion
  • Cough & Chest discomfort which may become severe
  • Occasional stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat

See also:Is It a Cold or the Flu?http://www.niaid.nih.gov/publications/cold/sick.pdf

Tissue

What to Do if You Get the Flu?

Follow these simple steps if you do get the flu to feel better faster.

  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Sleep and take it easy
  • Take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) to relieve your fever and aches
  • Over-the-counter cold or cough medicines may also relieve some flu symptoms, check with your doctor
  • Do not take aspirin products without physician approval
  • Consider layered apparel for body temperature changes
  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Don't share cups and eating utensils

Most people who get the flu recover without having to see their doctor. If your flu symptoms worsen, or if you have a high temperature for more than a few days, or if you seem better but then feel worse, call your doctor right away.

See also: What to do for Colds or Flu
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/lowlit/clds&flu.pdf