The Illinois Department of Public Health provides tips on preventing influenza

Every year, the flu attacks millions of Americans, heats hundreds of thousands and kills tens of thousands.

It can be as easy to get the flu as to get in touch with someone with flu symptoms. Fortunately, it is easy to protect yourself against the flu. Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent the flu. To avoid infection, you should also wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with sick people.

"The flu-related illness may not be so bad for you, but for others, it can be weeks of illness and, in the worst case, death," Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. "We have a responsibility to protect those who can not protect themselves because they are less than six months old or have chronic health problems such as cancer or heart disease, and if you get the flu vaccine and do not get sick, it helps protect it." Illinois people who can not be vaccinated. "

Anyone who is six months or older should receive the seasonal flu vaccine. The vaccine is available as a flu shot or nasal spray. Talk to a doctor to find out which type is best for you.

In addition to a flu vaccine, IDPH recommends 3 Cs: Clean, Cover, and Contain.

• Cleaning: Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap.

• Covering: Cover your cough and sneeze.

• Contain: Contain your germs when you stay home when you are ill.

Influenza viruses spread when people cough, sneeze or talk with flu. The flu usually occurs suddenly. People with flu often experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Fever or fever / chills
• the cough
• runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• a headache
• fatigue
• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than in adults)

Viral antivirals may be a second line of defense for people with influenza. Many studies have shown that antiviral medications can not only reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, but can also prevent flu complications.

To find a place in your community where flu vaccination is possible, contact your doctor or the local health department. You can also use the vaccine catcher online. For more information on the flu, visit the IDPH website .

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