Young Adults Are Bearing the Brunt of Flu Season: Here's How You Can Protect Yourself

Self Magazine

by Anna Maltby

Terry Doyle
Terry Doyle

We've been pretty freaked out by all the scary news about the flu this year -- not only does everyone around us seem to be getting sick, but people are actually dying. Which is not really OK. In fact, just in the last week alone, flu deaths in the state of California doubled, from 45 to 95. And while we usually think of older people and little kids as being at risk, the more common strains this year seem to be hitting young adults.

We asked SELF's medical adviser, Harry Lodge, M.D., associate clinical professor of medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, for more info.

"The H1N1 -- swine flu -- strain has been more prominent this year than it usually is," Dr. Lodge says. "It hits young people harder, and it's pretty contagious, but it's one of the three strains of flu covered by the regular vaccine."

See more: 5 Simple Steps to Cellulite-Free Skin

Translation? Getting your shot could go a long way toward protecting you. And Dr. Lodge says it's not too late, even though the season "officially" kicked off in October.

"It looks like this flu season is going to linger into May so it's still worth getting your flu shot," he says.

Dr. Lodge also told us a bit more about how the flu spreads (and how you can avoid it): "Influenza can be transmitted by coughing, but the main culprit is still dirty surfaces, so hand-washing remains a critical habit to get into."

See more: Easy Ways to Slim Down in 14 Days!

OK, so worst-case scenario: You start feeling sick. How do you know if it's the flu?

"Influenza shares symptoms with the regular cold and flu viruses, like cough, sore throat, and runny nose, but it tends to be significantly worse, and usually has a fever along with it, and sometimes nausea or diarrhea," he says.

Now, we're not interested in turning you into a hypochondriac, but if you think you might have the flu, it's worth it to see a doctor as early as possible. Why? He can give you a swab test that will tell you a more-or-less definitive yes or no, and if you're treated within the first 48 hours of getting sick, you can reduce the length of time and severity of your symptoms.

"On many fronts, it's worth being proactive about the flu, even this late in the season," Dr. Lodge says.

So if you haven't already? Get. That. Shot.

More from SELF:
20 Superfoods For Weight Loss
5 Ways to Burn 500 Calories
Secrets To Firing Up Your Metabolism
6 Moves To Resize Your Butt and Thighs