Flu 411 | What you need to know about the flu
- Posted On:
Most people who get influenza, or the flu, will recover without serious complications. Treatment with antibiotics and antiviral medications is generally not needed.
Flu season is only a few month away. Protect yourself and your loved ones by taking steps to prepare!
How to protect yourself from the flu
You can protect yourself from the flu by:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Covering your nose and mouth either with a tissue or the inside of your arm when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, as germs spread this way.
And, if you are sick with flu-like symptoms such as a fever, body aches, tiredness and cough, please limit contact with others as much as possible. Learn more about flu-like symptoms at Flu.gov.
When to go to a doctor when you have the flu
Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of the following:
Children:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Too irritable to even be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Adults:
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Severe pain or pressure in chest or tummy
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
If you have flu-like symptoms and are in a high-risk group (pregnant, less than 5-years-old or have a chronic disease) contact your physician.
Where to recover from the flu
Doctors say home is the best place to recover from the flu.
- Take over-the-counter medication for symptom relief and as needed for fever and pain.
- Drink clear fluids (water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants).
- Children under 4 years old should not be given over-the-counter medicine without approval of a health care provider.
- Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever (without taking a fever reducer) and symptoms are gone.
- Wash your hands frequently! Check out these blogs about hand washing: Clean hands count and Only you can help prevent the spread of germs!
Where to get flu shots in Campbell County, Wyoming
Campbell County Health encourages you to protect yourself and your kids and get a flu shot this year!
The flu is a serious illness that caused 28 deaths in the state of Wyoming in 2014. Small children, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable. Flu season typically starts in October and can linger until May. Anyone over six months of age can be vaccinated against the flu.
The bottom line: protect the ones you love with a flu shot. To get a flu shot, see your healthcare provider, Campbell County Public Health or visit a local drugstore or pharmacy.
Local Flu Shot Locations
CCH recommends that you call ahead to learn about scheduling, prices and other information for flu shot options with all of these locations.
- Campbell County Medical Group clinics. Get a flu shot as part of your healthcare visit or just receive the vaccine. We can file with your insurance provider. Make an appointment today, or walk into the Walk-in Clinic.
- Albertsons Osco Pharmacy, 307-687-2996, 2610 S. Douglas Highway, Gillette
- Campbell County Public Health, 307-682-7275, 2301 West 4-J Road, Gillette. Public Health gives flu shots Monday-Friday from 8 am-12 pm and 1-5 pm. Cost is $25 and you are requested to bring Medicare, Medicaid or health insurance cards. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Coalition Family Health Center, 307-685-6500, 430 S Medical Arts Court, Gillette - Starts October 1
- John's Medical Hill Pharmacy, 307-685-2899, 407 S Medical Arts Ct, Gillette
- Medicap Pharmacy, 307-685-6985, 501 E. Lakeway Road # A, Gillette
- Smith's Pharmacy, 307-682-1217, 906 Camel Drive, Gillette
- Walgreens, 307-682-4517, 2000 S. Douglas Highway, Gillette
- Walmart Pharmacy, 307-686-5166, 2300 S. Douglas Highway, Gillette
CDC on Flu
Read what the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends for the flu. Read more at www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm.
Blog: So, what the difference between a cold or the flu?
Wondering what the differences are between someone who has a common cold, and someone who has the flu (aka, influenza)? Read more >>>
Blog: Influenza vs Stomach Flu: What you need to know
Stomach flu and influenza are two terms that are often used interchangeably to mean the common flu. And since influenza results in a weakened immune system, many people experience other viruses, like the norovirus, while having the flu. This causes people to associate gastrointestinal issues with the flu, but the two viruses are very different. Here's what Campbell County Health's Infection Preventionist Kate Craig, BSN, RN, wants you to know about the two viruses. Read more >>>
Blog: What got me sick? Was it a virus or bacteria?
With the cold and flu season in full swing, people may request antibiotics for themselves or their children when they visit their healthcare provider. But, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antibiotics aren’t always the answer, and actually don’t help you feel better. Read more >>>
Blog: Four Common Back to School Illnesses
Backpacks ready, lunches packed, and before you head out the door, you realize your child is just not quite right. Though we do our best to avoid it, your child is exposed to a world of germs each day at school, and eventually, that might lead them to take an unexpected sick day. Learn more >>>
Blog: Body aches, sore throat and runny noses: Is it the flu?
Here is some helpful information on how to protect yourself and your family from getting the flu, and how to treat your symptoms if you do get it. Read more >>>