Stefan Gravenstein, MD Why You Should Get a Flu Shot With flu season coming, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of influenza. It is often difficult to distinguish between a cold and the flu, especially during the early stages. There are common early signs for both illnesses, such as sore throat and headache, though they can become more severe for the flu. If you think you have the flu contact your doctor’s office to find out if you need to be seen. Cold symptoms tend to be more sinus-based and often last only days, while flu symptoms can spread over the entire body, most notably through generally feeling run down, muscle aches and headaches. Treatment for flu works best if caught during the earliest stages of flu symptoms, and early treatment—within the first two days of symptom onset— can also prevent a subsequent bacterial infection. Flu symptoms may include, any or all of, a sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches/soreness, congestion and cough. There is a risk of pneumonia, particularly in infants and elderly people, or those with underlying serious heart, kidney or lung disease. Practice proper hygiene to keep from spreading the influenza virus, as well as to protect yourself from getting this or other contagious infections. It is impossible to predict the length and severity of the flu season from year to year, and because there are multiple strains of the influenza virus that are constantly changing, it is critical to receive the vaccine each year to stay up-to-date; each year the vaccine is updated to make sure it is the best match for the anticipated circulating strains. By getting the vaccine annually, not only do you protect yourself from contracting the disease, but others won’t catch it from you. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone from age six months or older receive the vaccine, ideally by October. It is particularly important to receive the vaccine if you spend time around either older adults or children younger than six months, as they are most susceptible to complications from the flu and children under 6 months old are too young to receive the vaccination. “The flu can cause serious illness.” says Stefan Gravenstein, MD, the Director of the Center for Geriatrics and Palliative Care at University Hospitals. “The virus spreads easily, which makes kids and senior citizens very susceptible to seasonal flu outbreaks. Knowing the facts about flu, its symptoms, and when to get vaccinated are all important in the fight against influenza.” It is imperative to receive annual protection during flu season, not only for yourself, but for those around you. Though the symptoms may mimic a cold, it is necessary to be aware and treat them appropriately. Dr. Gravenstein practices at UH Case Medical Center and is board-certified in internal medicine. If you would like to be seen by a UH geriatrician call 216-844-8500 to schedule an appointment. It is imperative to receive annual protection during flu season, not only for yourself, but for those around you. Though the symptoms may mimic a cold, it is necessary to be aware and treat them appropriately.  September 2015 n Beachwood Buzz 47