How do I know if I have it? Symptoms include muscle aches, headache, fever, chills, cough and weakness. Mild cases may not include all these. A feeling of exhaustion can last for several days. If you have nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, you have a different infection than influenza.

What do I do if I get the flu? See your doctor as soon as possible. There are medicines that can limit the duration or decrease symptoms of the flu if they are started in the first few hours or first day of flu symptoms. These medications are available for children as well as adults. Also, drink plenty of clear fluids and take aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen. (Children should be given acetaminophen only, as there is a possibility of serious illness if aspirin is given.) For sore throat, gargle with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon per cup) or suck on ice cubes or lozenges. Hot water with lemon and honey is another good remedy. For cough, use an over-the-counter cough suppressant and a humidifier. A cool sponge bath is helpful for fever.

What does the flu shot do? The immunization helps to prevent flu; however, the vaccine does not contain protection for every strain of influenza virus. For most people, it does prevent or decrease the severity of the illness.

What happened to the flu vaccine this year? There is a shortage because of a possible contamination in the manufacture of a portion by one of the drug companies. As a result, none of the vaccine made by that company can be used. If you already have had a flu shot, consider yourself lucky. You do not need to be concerned about safety because the vaccine you received was produced by a different company than the one in question. If you have not had a flu shot yet, get one if you can find someone who is giving them. I will let everyone know if I learn we will be able to have someone come here to give the shots at Wilshire.