It is often said that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

That has perhaps never been truer than when it comes to fighting the flu and avoiding sickness.

The influenza virus is already popping up locally, with 13 confirmed cases in Clark County. This will only increase as we head toward peak season from The January to March.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend everyone from six months and older get vaccinated against influenza each year, with the injectable vaccine being recommended this year.

It can be a confusing topic with lots of misinformation available. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions and answers from the CDC.

What is Influenza?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

Signs and symptoms of flu

People who have the flu often feel some or all of these:

— fever* or feeling feverish/chills

— cough

— sore throat

— runny or stuffy nose

— muscle or body aches

— headaches

—fatigue (very tired)

 How flu spreads

Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose.

Period of contagiousness

You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.

Onset of symptoms

The time from when a person is exposed to flu virus to when symptoms begin is about one to four days, with an average of about two days.

Complications of flu

Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

People at high risk from flu

Anyone can get the flu (even healthy people), and serious problems related to the flu can happen at any age, but some people are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women and young children.

Preventing flu

The first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. CDC also recommends everyday preventive actions (like staying away from people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes and frequent handwashing) to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses, like flu.

Diagnosing flu

It is very difficult to distinguish the flu from other viral or bacterial causes of respiratory illnesses on the basis of symptoms alone. There are tests available to diagnose flu.

For more information, see Diagnosing Flu.

Treating

There are influenza antiviral drugs that can be used to treat flu illness, but the vaccine is the best prevention.