Spread Holiday Cheer, Not the Flu!

As you head out for the holidays, the last thing you want to share with your family and friends is the flu! Luckily, there are easy ways to keep yourself and others safe.

While the influenza virus, or flu, is spread year-round, numbers usually peak in fall and winter. This year, we’re seeing early surges of respiratory illnesses in our area. Common flu symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Not Just the Flu

In addition to the flu, we are seeing cases of COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in our area. It is possible to be sick with more than one respiratory illness at the same time.

Preventing the Spread

If you have symptoms, skip family gatherings and make an appointment with your provider to get tested. Various treatment options are available, so act fast to prevent more serious complications and get back on your feet sooner.

You can take these actions to prevent getting sick:

Get Vaccinated

Flu vaccines are readily available. Encourage your family members to get a flu vaccine. We know that vaccines decrease the risk of transmission and decrease the risk of death from these respiratory illnesses.

Stop the Spread of Germs

Wash your hands, cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

By following these tips, we can spend quality time with loved ones while also protecting at-risk individuals. Our main goal is to reduce the number of hospitalizations in our community. 

Schedule a flu shot for yourself or a family member at CarilionClinic.org/flu.