Tips to help you survive the flu and cold season

It will soon be that time of year when the crisp, cool air arrives, and along with it comes the influenza virus.

Flu season typically begins in early fall and continues into winter, with peak flu season in January and February.

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Everything you need to know about the flu:

The flu is not the same as the common cold, but it is highly contagious and spreads in much the same way.

The virus is contracted through particles in the air and on surfaces and by close contact with someone who is infected. It is an infection of the mouth, nose, throat and respiratory tract.

The flu causes an array of symptoms: malaise, fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, headaches and muscle aches.

Flu symptoms can include ear infections, sinus infections, bronchitis and pneumonia. 

Who is at risk for contracting the flu?

Everyone is at risk for contracting the flu, however, those at highest risk are young children, under the age of 5; the elderly over the age of 65; and those who are immunosuppressed by certain medical conditions, such as asthma, emphysema, diabetes and heart disease.

The severity of the flu varies from mild to severe, and flu can lead to hospitalization and death.

Even healthy individuals may suffer from complications of the flu.

For more information, visit healthtexas.org

Information courtesy of HealthTexas.


About the Author:

Kiersten has been a Digital Content Creator with KSAT12 since 2017. She graduated from Texas State University with an electronic media degree and previously worked for the Spurs Sports & Entertainment.