Seasonal Flu: Prevention and When to Seek Care

As autumn settles over Madison, seasonal influenza begins its annual circulation in our community. The flu can range from mild to severe and sometimes leads to complications requiring emergency medical attention. Here’s what Madison residents should know about preventing the flu and recognizing when to seek medical care.

Understanding Seasonal Influenza

Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu typically circulates in Connecticut from October through May, with peak activity usually occurring between December and March.

Common Flu Symptoms

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills (not everyone with flu will have a fever)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

How Flu Spreads

The flu spreads primarily through tiny droplets made when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. Less often, a person might get the flu by touching a surface or object with flu virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.

Prevention Strategies for Madison Residents

Vaccination: Your Best Defense

The annual flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its potentially serious complications.

Where to Get Vaccinated in Madison:

• Primary care physicians’ offices
• Local pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, and Stop & Shop pharmacy
• Madison Health Department flu clinics (typically announced in September/October)
• Many health insurance plans cover flu vaccines with no copay

Who Should Get Vaccinated:

• Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year
• Vaccination is particularly important for:
  • Adults 65 years and older
  • People with chronic health conditions
  • Pregnant women
  • Young children
  • Healthcare workers
  • Caregivers of high-risk individuals

Daily Prevention Practices

• Hand Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public spaces. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a good alternative when soap isn’t available.
• Respiratory Etiquette: Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands. Dispose of used tissues immediately.
• Avoid Close Contact: When possible, maintain distance from people who are sick. During active flu seasons, consider limiting time in crowded indoor spaces.
• Clean and Disinfect: Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and electronic devices.
• Stay Home When Sick: If you have flu symptoms, stay home from work, school, and errands to avoid spreading illness to others.

Building Immune Resilience

• Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
• Balanced Nutrition: Consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Regular Exercise: Moderate physical activity helps support immune function. Madison offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities at Hammonasset State Park, the Surf Club, and our town hiking trails.
• Stress Management: Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or gentle yoga.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

When to Seek Medical Care

Not all flu cases require medical attention, but it’s important to know when to contact a healthcare provider or seek emergency care.

Contact Your Healthcare Provider If:

• You are at high risk for flu complications (elderly, pregnant, immunocompromised, or have chronic conditions) and develop flu symptoms
• Your symptoms don’t improve after a week
• Your symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• You have persistent high fever that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications
• You have significant sinus pain, ear pain, or persistent cough

Seek Emergency Care If You Experience:

In Adults:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Persistent dizziness, confusion, or inability to arouse
• Seizures
• Not urinating
• Severe muscle pain
• Severe weakness or unsteadiness
• Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions

In Children:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish lips or face
• Ribs pulling in with each breath
• Chest pain
• Severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk)
• Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
• Not alert or interacting when awake
• Seizures
• Fever above 104°F
• In children less than 12 weeks, any fever
• Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions

When to Call Madison EMS

Call 911 for severe or life-threatening symptoms. Madison EMS provides emergency medical services throughout our community and can rapidly transport patients to appropriate medical facilities when needed.

Home Care for Flu

If you’re managing flu at home:

• Rest: Get plenty of sleep to help your immune system fight infection.
• Hydration: Drink clear fluids like water, broth, or sports drinks to prevent dehydration.
• Over-the-counter Medications: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce fever and relieve aches. Always follow dosing instructions carefully.
• Antiviral Medications: Prescription antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They work best when started early, so contact your healthcare provider promptly if you’re at high risk for complications.
• Humidifier: Using a cool-mist humidifier can help ease congestion and coughs.
• Isolation: Stay home at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without using fever-reducing medicine).

Flu vs. COVID-19

While flu and COVID-19 share many symptoms, there are some differences:

• Testing: Testing is available for both flu and COVID-19. Your healthcare provider can determine which tests are appropriate.
• Treatment: Specific antiviral medications are available for both flu and COVID-19, but they are not interchangeable.
• Vaccination: Separate vaccines are available for flu and COVID-19. You can receive both vaccines during the same visit if they’re both due.

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are from flu, COVID-19, or another respiratory illness, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

Special Considerations for Madison Families

Madison Public Schools Illness Reporting

If a student has been absent as a result of a contagious disease (e.g., strep, pneumonia, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, chicken pox), serious injury, or hospitalization, parents must report this information to the school nurse by telephone (245-6463) or by email (owenk@madison.k12.ct.us) before the student returns to school.

Seasonal Activities

As Madison residents participate in fall and winter activities, be mindful of flu prevention. Consider getting vaccinated before attending large indoor gatherings or community events.

Supporting Community Health

By taking preventive measures against flu, you’re helping protect not just yourself but also vulnerable members of our community who may be at higher risk for serious complications.

Resources for Madison Residents

• Connecticut Flu Watch: www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3136&q=410788
• CDC Flu Information: www.cdc.gov/flu
• Madison Health Department: (203) 245-5681

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By taking preventive measures and knowing when to seek care, Madison residents can reduce the impact of seasonal influenza in our community. Remember that Madison EMS and our local healthcare providers are here to help if you or your family members develop severe symptoms or complications from the flu.

Stay well this flu season!