You can help keep the flu away - No need to suffer from influenza
There are steps you can take to prevent the flu from hitting you, your family* and others.
An annual flu shot.
To prevent getting the flu, or to lessen its severity, you should get a flu shot each fall, before flu season starts. This is particularly recommended if you are aged 50 and older or have a chronic health problem.
A flu vaccination is your best chance to protect against the flu. However, you may have heard that the vaccine is not 100% effective. Why? Because the flu strains it protects against may not be the same as the ones that are going around in your area. So even if you have received a flu shot, you could still get the flu.
Flu prevention you can swallow.
If you don't get the flu shot - or until the shot takes effect - you can still protect yourself and family members* from getting sick. Your doctor can write prescriptions for antiviral medications such as Tamiflu prescription flu medication in order to:
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prevent widespread influenza outbreaks in shared living facilities, such as nursing homes and college dormitories
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provide protection during the period of time needed for the flu shot to take effect
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protect individuals who are unable to receive flu vaccinations. (If you are pregnant or allergic to eggs, ask your doctor about whether or not you should get a flu shot.)
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If these conditions apply to you, consult with your doctor. Learn about the opportunity of preventing flu with antiviral medications such as Tamiflu prescription flu medication. These are available only by prescription and must be started within 2 days of flu exposure. Tamiflu prescription flu medication is approved for patients aged 1 year and older and is available in a choice of capsule or liquid suspension form.
In prophylaxis studies adverse events were qualitatively similar to those seen in the treatment studies, despite a longer duration of dosing. The most frequently reported adverse events were headache, fatigue and nausea.
Protecting family members from influenza.
If someone in your household is diagnosed with the flu, it? important to keep other members of the family* from getting sick. You can protect them by notifying your doctor within 2 days of being exposed in order to ask if Tamiflu prescription flu medication might be right for you as a prescription for preventative medicine.
Common sense measures for staying healthy.
Your chances of avoiding the flu are better when you:
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Keep your distance from people with the flu.
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Wash your hands frequently.
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Avoid second-hand cigarette smoke.
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Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a good diet, adequate sleep, low stress and lots of water to drink.
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* Tamiflu prescription flu medication is indicated for the prevention of influenza in adults and adolescents aged 13 and older.