How to Stay Prepared and Protected

September brings cooler weather, earlier sunsets, and the start of flu season, which in North America typically begins in October and runs through May. As people spend more time together in public spaces, the chances of exposure to the flu virus increase. Because symptoms may not appear for the first 24 hours after infection, someone can unknowingly spread the fllu while still feeling well.

For these reasons, it makes sense to start preparations now to protect yourself and your family – before the flu sidelines your household.

Recognize Early Signs and Act Quickly

Flu symptoms can appear suddenly and may include fever, body aches, chills, sore throat, fatigue, and cough. If you or a family member begins feeling under the weather, it’s important to rest, stay hydrated, and avoid contact with others.

Antiviral medications may be prescribed if the flu is caught early, typically within the first 48 hours of symptoms. These medications can reduce the severity and duration of illness.

But what if you think it’s just a common cold – or another respiratory illness like COVID-19? One simple determination is to think of cold symptoms as occurring largely above your neck: think stuffy and runny nose, coughing and sneezing, sore throat, and perhaps slightly swollen glands, with some body aches and pain.

With the flu, people often experience a fever over 100°F along with one or more of the above symptoms. Many also report gastrointestinal symptoms, chest coughs, and headaches. If you have fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath, a coronavirus may be the culprit.

When to Seek Medical Help

Most healthy people recover from the flu at home, but there are situations when medical attention is necessary:

• For Adults: Seek help if you have trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, dizziness, confusion, severe weakness or muscle pain, or if symptoms improve and then suddenly worsen.
• For Children: Call a doctor if your child has the same symptoms as adults, along with rapid breathing (watch for ribs that pull into the chest with each breath), bluish lips, face, or nails, and dehydration. Signs of dehydration can present as not having a need to urinate, a dry mouth, and no tears when crying.

What About a Flu Vaccination?

A discussion with your healthcare provider can help you determine if any in your household would benefit from a flu vaccine. While the vaccine doesn’t guarantee that you won’t become infected, it can protect against serious illness if you do get the flu. The vaccine is updated each year to target the strains expected to circulate most widely that year. The flu shot is available for most people six months and older. There is also a nasal spray version for those aged two and above. You should also check your children’s school requirements; while the annual flu vaccine is not a universal requirement for all schools, it may be for some.

If you have concerns about allergies or side effects, your provider can help you weigh the risks and benefits – particularly for anyone in higher-risk groups such as those with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, older adults, and young children. Employees enrolled in a Transocean medical plan can get the flu vaccine as part of their preventive care benefits.

Stay Ahead of the Flu

Other measures that can help you stay healthy this flu season include frequent handwashing, covering coughs, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. And of course, staying home when ill can help reduce its spread.

Don’t let the flu catch you off guard this season. Plan ahead, talk with your healthcare team, and take early action at the first sign of illness – for yourself and your loved ones.