Everything You Need to Know About the Flu

As the leaves turn and cooler weather sets in Memphis, flu season is just around the corner. At The Shot Nurse, we’re all about prevention and education when it comes to staying healthy. This guide is for anyone who wants to stay well this flu season, including parents, teachers, healthcare workers, and anyone else who wants to protect themselves and those they care about. In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the flu, how it spreads, how to recognize it, and most importantly, how to stay safe. 

What Is the Flu? 

The flu (influenza) is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, which are part of the Orthomyxoviridae family. These viruses infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs, leading to symptoms such as cough, fever, muscle aches, sore throat, and fatigue. The flu spreads primarily through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face. Once inside the body, the virus attaches to respiratory cells and hijacks their machinery to replicate, triggering the immune response.

Most people recover within a few days to a week, but the flu can cause severe complications, especially for vulnerable populations like seniors, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions. These complications can include bronchitis, pneumonia, sinus infections, and worsening of existing health issues.

There are several types of influenza viruses, notably types A, B, and C, with type A and B being responsible for seasonal outbreaks. These viruses are noteworthy for their ability to change through antigenic shift and drift, which allows them to evade prior immunity. This constant evolution is why getting an annual flu vaccination is essential. Vaccinations help protect against the most common strains predicted for the upcoming season, reducing the risk of severe illness and infection. 

How Does the Flu Spread? 

The flu spreads primarily through tiny droplets released when people with the flu cough, sneeze, or even speak. These droplets can enter the mouths or noses of those nearby. You can also catch the flu by touching surfaces that have the virus on them and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

The flu is highly contagious, and people can spread it even a day before symptoms start and up to 5-7 days after getting sick. This means you might be spreading the virus before you even realize you’re sick! 

How You Can Tell If You Have the Flu 

Flu symptoms hit surprisingly fast and are often more intense than a normal cold. Here are some common symptoms that often indicate you have the flu: 

• Fever or chills 
• Cough 
• Sore throat 
• Stuffy or runny nose 
• Muscle or body aches 
• Headaches 
• Extreme fatigue  
• Additionally some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea, although this is more common in children.  

What You Should Do If You Have the Flu

If you think you have the flu, these are some helpful guidelines that will not only help you, but also help the Memphis community:

1. Stay at Home: Avoid going to school, work, or any other public places to prevent spreading the virus.
2. Hydrate and Rest: Your body needs energy to fight off the virus.
3. Use Over-the-Counter Medications: Decongestants, cough suppressants, and fever reducers can help ease symptoms.
4. Consider Antiviral Medications: If prescribed within the first 48 hours, antiviral drugs like Tamiflu can lessen the duration and severity of symptoms.
5. Contact Your Doctor: This is especially important if you develop complications such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, or are in a high-risk group.
6. Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
7. Use a Humidifier: This keeps air moist and eases the difficulty you may have breathing.
8. Avoid Smoking and Exposure to Smoke: Smoke is likely to worsen respiratory symptoms.
9. Eat Nutritious Foods: Your body needs nutrients to support your immune system.
10. Keep Track of Your Symptoms: If they do not improve it is best to seek medical care.

How Often Should You Get a Flu Shot? 

People 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year, ideally before flu season starts in the fall in Memphis, which is usually around the end of October. However, getting vaccinated later is still helpful and can protect you through the peak of flu season, which often lasts until March or even May. The flu shot is safe, effective, and updated yearly to fight the most common virus strains. 

Why the Flu Shot Matters – Especially in Memphis 

Getting your annual flu shot in Memphis is about more than just personal protection, it is about community health. By getting vaccinated, you help protect vulnerable populations, ease the burden on local hospitals, and keep workplaces and schools running smoothly and safely. Plus, we offer multiple different kinds of flu vaccinations at our clinic, including your seasonal flu shot, senior flu shots, and FluMist.

Flu Prevention Tips from The Shot Nurse 

In addition to getting your flu vaccine, follow these healthy habits to reduce your risk of getting or spreading the flu: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or regularly use an alcohol based sanitizer. 
• Avoid touching your face as much as possible.
• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces often.
• Cover your mouth and nose every time when coughing or sneezing. 
• Stay home when you’re feeling sick.  

Get Your Flu Shot Today at The Shot Nurse 

Don’t let flu season catch you off guard. Stay protected and keep your loved ones safe with a flu vaccine today. We welcome walk-ins, and our caring nurses will make the process smooth and hassle-free. Be sure to check out one of our convenient Memphis locations as well as contact us to set up a corporate or group flu clinic, where we will come to you with groups of 10 or more receiving flu shots.

Stay healthy, Memphis, your community is counting on you! Remember, each vaccination and health check-up helps to protect not just yourself, but your friends, family, and neighbors as well. Together, we can build a stronger, safer community for everyone.