Flu Season
Everyone in the community is encouraged to get a flu shot before or during a flu season. Flu shots are available at the Health Department, or at your doctor's office or local pharmacy. The NC. Department of Health and Human Services specifically recommends:
- Getting a flu shot
- Wash hands frequently, preferably with soap and water or an approved hand sanitizer
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discard the tissue promptly
- If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school until you have been fever free for at least 24 hours
- What are flu signs and symptoms?
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Typical flu symptoms include:
- Fever of 100° F or higher, or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)
- Cough and/or sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headaches and/or body aches
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)
- How long does the flu last?
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The flu typically lasts 5 to 7 days.
Learn more about flu treatment options and what to do if you get sick
- How long should I stay home after the flu?
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If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school until you have been fever free for at least 24 hours.
Learn other ways to stop the spread of germs.
- Can the flu vaccine cause the flu?
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There is no live flu virus in flu shots, so the vaccine cannot and does not cause the flu. Here are a few facts about the flu vaccine:
- Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors' visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.
- Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year before flu activity begins in their community. CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October, if possible.
- Vaccination of people considered high-risk is incredibly important. That includes young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions, and people 65 years and older.
- Vaccination is also important for people who live with, or care for, someone who is high risk to keep from spreading the flu to them.
- Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for infants should be vaccinated instead.
Learn more about the seasonal flu vaccine