Every fall and winter, the flu returns in full force. It is critical that we ensure we are keeping up with our flu shots—it has been proven that new variants of the flu virus are created year after year, which means that new vaccine formulations are being developed to fight them. These seasons are a reminder to increase flu prevention efforts in preparation for a healthy and enjoyable holiday season.
It is important to understand the symptoms and ways in which the flu is contagious in order to avoid contracting the disease and take care of our loved ones. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus that causes the seasonal influenza epidemic each year.
The most common symptoms of influenza include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath (feeling out of breath), fatigue, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches and body aches, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea (usually more common in children with influenza). These symptoms develop between day one and four of infection.
You can spread the flu before your symptoms even surface, so those who are exhibiting symptoms are contagious. When talking about the spread of the virus, it is necessary to emphasize that, although the virus that causes COVID-19 and influenza viruses are considered to spread in similar ways, the virus that causes COVID-19 tends to be more contagious because it can spread more quickly and easily to more people than influenza viruses.
Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that influenza can have serious consequences if it is not properly treated. The groups at greatest risk are older adults, people with certain underlying conditions, infants and children, and pregnant women. This is why it is important to treat it early and properly to reduce the risk of complications.
The only way to reduce infections and reduce the risk of complications is vaccination. Physicians recommend an annual vaccination against the disease, as the constant evolution of the virus requires that vaccines be adjusted to cope with each new flu season. Vaccination is also the best way to prevent the spread of flu to family, friends, and your community in general. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and those around you.
There are several different FDA-approved influenza vaccines that, in effect, are produced each year to protect against all types of influenza viruses that are expected to be the most prevalent for the year.
Vaccines are available at health centers near you. For more information, consult the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) website: https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/index.html, or contact NHCOA’s Resource Center if you need more information about available vaccines and vaccination centers and/or transportation to your vaccination appointment by texting us on Whatsapp at (202) 658-8664.
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