If you didn't get a flu shot, you will need to take extra care to ensure you remain well during flu and cold season. If you do get the flu call your PCP right away!
Flu season begins late fall and continues into winter. One of the best ways to avoid flu and colds is to avoid crowds, but it's also the holiday season and avoiding crowds while holiday shopping is next to impossible unless you do all of your shopping online.
There are a number of antiviral medications which work on Influenza A viruses. These need to be taken within the first 48 hours after you experience your first symptoms so you'll need to be aware and contact your primary care practitioner (PCP) for a prescription. Give him/her a list of your symptoms and when and how they began to help with an accurate diagnosis.
If the flu virus turns out to be type B influenza this year, these antivirals won't do any good. And remember that antibiotics are also not effective against viruses such as the flu. Be careful with over the counter medications. Read OTC labels carefully and remember that most cold and flu preparations contain the same ingredients. Most also contain some ibuprofen or Tylenol(R).
Other things you can do to avoid the flu or colds include effective handwashing, getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of liquids. Eating right will help to fight off colds and flu as well.
