DUBOIS – It may start with a sudden high fever. A sore throat, runny nose, cough, muscle aches and fatigue usually follow. Other symptoms may include chills, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Welcome to the flu.
The flu, which is a contagious virus, spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Symptoms typically appear within one to four days of exposure and can last for up to a week.
“Some people confuse a cold with the flu,” said Donald E. Conrad, DO, a Penn Highlands Family Medicine physician and Penn Highlands QCare Medical Director. “Flu symptoms tend to develop quickly after a person is exposed to the virus and are typically more severe than the congestion, runny nose and sneezing associated with most colds.”
Dr. Conrad continued, “People can spread the flu virus before they are sick – up to 24 hours before symptoms even present.”
Getting the flu vaccine is one of the best and simplest ways to reduce your risk of getting the flu and spreading it to others.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during the 2024-2025 flu season, it is estimated that there were 43 million flu cases, 560,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths with 266 reported flu-associated pediatric deaths. In addition, this past flu season saw an increased number of Emergency Room visits and hospital admissions for flu-related infections.
There are many good reasons to get the flu vaccine including:
- Several studies have shown that getting the flu vaccine can either prevent or reduce the severity of the illness preventing possible complications.
- It reduces flu-related admissions to the hospital.
- People with chronic ailments such as cardiac conditions, lung or diabetes can help prevent them from worsening.
- Flu vaccine given during pregnancy can protect not only the mother but the baby after the first few months of life.
- Studies have shown that flu vaccination with children can reduce the risk of life-threatening influenza by 75%.
- By getting vaccinated, you help protect yourself, your family, babies and young children, older people and our patients who are in a compromised state by being in the hospital
- The flu vaccine does not give you the flu. It is an inactivated (dead) vaccine.?
Getting the flu vaccine is one of the best decisions you can make.
Penn Highlands Healthcare offers the flu vaccine and many other immunizations at many sites throughout Pennsylvania including QCare Walk-in Clinics and community pharmacies. To learn more about the flu vaccine or for a location near you, visit www.phhealthcare.org/immunizations/.
