There were 145 cases of the flu reported in Northern Kentucky in November. By January, that number jumped to 2,646, according to Northern Kentucky Health Department Public Information Officer Skip Tate.
While those numbers were going down slightly at the end of January, if you’ve got sick family members, it’s certainly not just you.
Here are tips for what to do if you or someone in your household gets the flu. Or, if you’ve been lucky enough to avoid it so far this year, here are ways to continue to prevent it from infecting you or your family.
How do I know if I have the flu?
Flu symptoms include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vomiting and diarrhea can also be symptoms.
If you think you may have the flu, the best thing to do is contact your doctor. Young children, people older than 65, pregnant people or those with certain medical conditions should contact a doctor quickly upon noticing symptoms because they are at higher risk for flu-related complications, according to the CDC.
What do I do if I find out I have the flu?
Your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs, which can make flu symptoms milder and shorten the time you are sick, according to the CDC.
Studies show, according to the CDC, that antiviral drugs work best for treatment if they are started within two days of getting sick. But starting them later can still be helpful.
How do I avoid the flu?
If you have been able to stay flu-free so far this year, there are steps you can take to make sure that you stay that way, according to the CDC:
- A yearly flu vaccine is the most important action to take to avoid the flu. Anyone six months and older can and should get an annual vaccine.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick (if you have a sick kid or family member, isolate them in a room and keep them separated from the rest of the family).
- Cover your mouth with a tissue or your elbow if you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.