There are some things you just cant avoid, like getting the flu.
Its even possible to have the flu even if vaccinated.
For some people, it can also be life-threatening.
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If your symptoms arent life-threatening and dont need immediate treatment, you shouldnt go to the emergency department.
There are times when a trip to the hospital with the flu is warranted.
Knowing what to watch for in yourself and your child when you have flu symptoms is important.
Dont Ask Your Healthcare Provider for Antibiotics for the Flu
Antibiotics treat bacteria, not viruses.
If you have beendiagnosed with the flu, dont push your healthcare provider to prescribe an antibiotic.
If your symptoms and health warrant it, there areantiviral medicationsthat can shorten the duration of your flu symptoms.
These medications are most often prescribed for people in flu high-risk groups.
Not allowing yourself time to rest will increase the amount of time that it takes you to recover.
So if you have the flu, stay home.
Your coworkers will thank you.
People share these articles and posts with little concern about whether or not they are accurate.
If a friend shared it, it must be true, right?!
Of course, that isnt true.
Anyone can post anything on the internet.
Unfortunately, many of these claims can be not only inaccurate but also dangerous.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccine effectiveness: how well do flu vaccines work?.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.People at higher risk of flu complications.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Key facts about influenza (flu).
Food and Drug Administration.Warning: antibiotics dont work for viruses like colds and the flu.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What you should know about flu antiviral drugs.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Influenza antiviral medications: summary for clinicians.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Gastroenteritis.
Larson HJ.The biggest pandemic risk?
2018;562(7727):309. doi:10.1038/d41586-018-07034-4
