Seniors, Stay Home If You're Sick

If you have been diagnosed with the flu, you should stay home and follow your health care provider’s recommendations. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about over-the-counter and prescription medications to ease flu symptoms and help you feel better faster.

You can treat flu symptoms with and without medication.  Over-the-counter medications may relieve some flu symptoms but will not make you less contagious. Your health care provider may prescribe antiviral medications to make your illness milder and prevent serious complications.  Your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics if your flu has progressed to a bacterial infection.  Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine. Seasonal flu vaccines have a very good safety track record.  The flu vaccine is available by shot or nasal spray.

Get your flu shot or spray as soon as the vaccine is available in your area.  It is especially important to get the vaccine if you, someone you live with, or someone you care for is at high risk of complications from the flu. Mild reactions such as soreness, headaches, and fever are common side effects of the flu vaccine. If you experience a severe reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives, or facial swelling, seek medical attention immediately.

If you have been diagnosed with the flu, you should stay home and follow your health care provider’s recommendations. Information and more guidance is posted on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.