Flu Cases Are Rising in Maryland: How to Protect Yourself | MPCP
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Flu Cases Are Rising: Protect Yourself This Season

Flu Cases Are Rising: Protect Yourself This Season

Flu activity is increasing, making prevention more important than ever.

How to Protect Yourself From the Flu

  • The flu vaccine reduces your risk of getting the flu. It also reduces symptom severity and lowers the chance of serious complications. And it helps protect others from catching the flu—especially vulnerable people like children, senior citizens and those with chronic disease. You can schedule a flu shot at your MPCP office, or get it at most pharmacies.
  • Clean your hands with soap and water frequently, especially before eating and after sneezing, coughing or using the bathroom. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer works well, too.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces often.

How to Protect Others From the Flu

  • Get a flu vaccine
  • Cover coughs and sneezes, ideally into your elbow rather than your hands.
  • Stay home when feeling unwell, until your symptoms are clearly improving and you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours.
  • If you must go out while feeling sick, wear a mask. 

Basic Home Remedies for Flu Symptoms

  • Get plenty of rest to help your body recover.
  • Drink fluids like water, warm soups, or herbal teas.
  • Use a humidifier to ease congestion.
  • Gargle with warm salt water for sore throat relief.
  • Use over-the-counter medications as directed for fever, cough, congestion, or aches.

When to Seek Help

Contact your MPCP office if:

  • Fever is higher than 101.5 or lasts more than a few days.
  • It is hard to breathe.
  • You feel severe weakness, confusion, or dizziness.
  • Symptoms improve but then return or worsen.
  • You are in a high-risk group and develop flu symptoms.

Taking simple preventive steps, caring for symptoms at home, and knowing when to seek medical advice can help reduce the impact of the flu this season. Together we can protect ourselves, our families and our communities.

 

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