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It bears repeating: Get a flu shot

Q: Last year I got the flu and was hospitalized with pneumonia. How do I prevent a winter repeat? A: More than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized from flu-related complications each year, including 20,000 children under age 5. While contagious viruses are active all year, we are more vulnerable in the winter because we spend more time indoors.

Q: Last year I got the flu and was hospitalized with pneumonia. How do I prevent a winter repeat?

A: More than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized from flu-related complications each year, including 20,000 children under age 5. While contagious viruses are active all year, we are more vulnerable in the winter because we spend more time indoors.

Colds are usually marked by a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, a scratchy throat, and watery eyes. No vaccine against colds exists. Often spread through contact with mucus, colds come on gradually. Flu comes on suddenly, is more serious, and lasts longer. Flu symptoms include fever, headache, chills, dry cough, body aches, and fatigue. Like colds, flu can cause a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Yearly vaccination can protect you from the flu.

Cold and flu complications may include bacterial infections (bronchitis, pneumonia) that could require antibiotics. But these drugs don't help with the cold or flu viruses. Mucus from a viral infection can cause a bacterial infection.

For children, be alert for high fevers, unusual drowsiness, and refusal to eat. Pneumonia can be deadly. About one-third of pneumonia cases here are caused by viruses. The pneumococcal vaccine prevents many cases and lessens the severity when it occurs.

To avoid winter bugs:

  1. Get the flu vaccine.

  2. Wash hands often.

  3. Avoid infected people.

  4. Keep stress in check.

  5. Eat right, sleep right.

  6. Exercise.