Protecting Yourself and Others During Flu Season

As the weather gets colder, sniffles and coughs become more common. Sometimes it is just a mild cold — but it could also be the flu, which can cause more serious symptoms. The team at AHN West Penn Hospital is here to help you understand your symptoms, get the treatment you need, and protect yourself and others from the flu.

How is the flu different from a cold?

Both colds and the flu are caused by viruses and spread through coughs, sneezes, or shared surfaces. But they affect your body differently.

The incubation period for the flu is usually shorter than other cold viruses but symptoms usually develop within 1–2 days and are more sudden and severe. Fevers, severe muscle aches, headaches, severe fatigue, and cough are good indicators that you may have the flu. The flu can also result in more severe respiratory symptoms, like difficulty breathing.

Most people recover in about a week, but the flu can cause serious issues for younger children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

A cold develops slowly and is usually mild. Symptoms include:

• A stuffy or runny nose
• Sneezing
• A mild cough or sore throat

Colds rarely cause fevers, and most people start feeling better in a few days.

Other symptoms may include headache and mild malaise (feeling of illness or uneasiness). Symptoms peak within a few days and should completely resolve within 7–10 days, though a cough may persist.

When should you see a doctor?

Many people recover from the flu at home with rest and over-the-counter cold and flu medicine. Natural cold and flu remedies like vitamin C may help with a cold, but not the flu. Taking pain relievers and using nasal spray for congestion can help you treat flu symptoms at home.

“If you’ve had a fever for at least five days and aren’t feeling better or your symptoms worsen, contact your primary care doctor (PCP),” said Nicole Izzo, DO, family medicine doctor at West Penn. “West Penn offers same-day appointments and on-site flu testing so patients can get answers and treatment quickly.”

Go to the emergency room right away if you or a loved one is wheezing, short of breath, or having chest pain.

How to protect yourself from the flu

Cold and flu season typically begins in the fall and peaks between December and February. During this time, prevention is key and starts with good hygiene, healthy habits, and getting your flu shot.

You can protect yourself and others by:

• Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoiding touching your face.
• Washing your hands often.
• Wiping down shared surfaces like doorknobs and phones.
• Eating healthy and staying active to help boost your immunity.
• Getting lots of rest to strengthen your immune system to fight infection.
• Schedule flu shots for yourself and your family early in the flu season.
• Staying home if you are sick. Wear a mask if you go to the doctor. You should wait to return to work or school until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours and your symptoms are improving.

Common questions about the flu shot

Does the flu shot work?

“The flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and others,” said Dr. Izzo.

There are two flu strains — influenza A and B. The shot is designed to protect against the strains that are circulating most each season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the flu shot helps reduce the flu by 40–60% every year.*

When should I get the flu shot?

The CDC recommends that most people get vaccinated by the end of October each year.** Even if you miss the October deadline, you should still schedule a flu shot to protect yourself for the rest of the season.

Is the flu shot safe?

The flu vaccine has safely protected people from the flu for over 50 years. It is safe for most people, including children as young as six months old and adults over the age of 65.

Will the flu shot make me sick?

You might feel tired or achy after getting the shot, but that means your body is building immunity to the flu.***

Where can I get a flu shot?

Contact your PCP to schedule an appointment to get your flu shot. Flu shots are also available at local pharmacies, urgent care centers, and clinics on a walk-in basis.

Prioritize your health

AHN West Penn Hospital is here to offer the care you need. If you feel sick and your symptoms don’t improve, schedule an appointment with a family doctor to be evaluated and treated for the flu.