Flu cases are widespread across California, including Alameda County. Public health officials recommend people get the flu shot in order to stop the spread of the illness. Flu symptoms include rapid onset of fever, chills, headache, tiredness and dry cough. Symptoms can also include vomiting and diarrhea. Antiviral drugs are an important second line of defense that can be used to treat flu illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of antiviral drugs as early as possible to treat flu illness in people who are very sick with flu and those at high risk of serious flu complications. Health officials recommend that you stay home and stay away from others until 24 hours after your fever is gone.
Here are a few tips from the CDC on how to prevent the flu:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands often (soap and water or hand sanitizer).
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Use disinfectants (eg. Lysol, Clorox wipes, etc.) to clean high touch surfaces in your home (eg. Telephone, bathroom faucet handles, door knobs, TV remote control, computer keyboards, etc.)
Follow the links below for information about locating where you can get a flu shot and information about what you need to know about the flu.
Flu Shot Locator for Alameda County