Flu season is here, which means it’s time to brush up on common flu symptoms to watch out for. Some of the symptoms of flu and Covid-19 are similar, making it difficult to determine if symptoms are stemming from the flu or something else. St. Bernard Parish Hospital has you covered with a quick refresher on what symptoms to watch out for.
Covid-19 presents itself as a mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Symptoms typically develop two to 14 days after exposure. Covid-19 spreads mostly from person to person through respiratory droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. Typically, people within six feet of someone with an illness are at highest risk. Wearing a face mask, social distancing, hand washing and cleaning of high-touch surfaces and household items can reduce this route of viral spread. All eligible community members are strongly encouraged to receive a Covid-19 vaccination. Visit Ochsner.org/vaccine today to schedule an appointment.
The flu is caused by one of several influenzas viruses that typically result in fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. The flu may also present with vomiting and diarrhea, but those two symptoms are more frequently seen in children. The flu virus has an abrupt onset with symptoms beginning about two days after the virus enters the body.
People with flu can spread it to others up to about six feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can be easily inhaled through the nose or mouth of people who are nearby. Similar to Covid-19, these droplets may be present on doorknobs, counters, and other surfaces after a person coughs or sneezes. Frequent cleaning of surfaces and household items can reduce this route of viral spread.
Safe and convenient options to get a flu shot in St. Bernard Parish include:
• Check out the schedule of upcoming flu fairs and book an appointment online through MyOchsner or call 1-866-OCHSNER.
• Schedule an appointment with a primary care provider or pediatrician through MyOchsner or call 1-866-OCHSNER. Â
• Visit an Ochsner Urgent Care location, which can administer flu shots to adults and children ages six months and older.
• Visit an Ochsner Pharmacy & Wellness location, which accepts most insurances and can administer flu shots to adults and children ages seven and older. Walk-ins are welcome.
Want to encourage community members to get the flu shot? Post a selfie showing off your bandage on social media, including #FluShotSelfie and tag @OchsnerHealth. For scheduling options and tips on staying healthy this flu season, visit Ochsner.org/flu.
