“Happy Feet” Characters Use fluFACTS WebSite To Fight Flu (NAPSA)—Several U.S. cities are already reporting theirfirst cases offlu, and now is the time to prepare your flu-fighting arsenal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for the 2006/2007 season cite three key flu-fighting tools: vacci- nation, use of anti-viral medica- tions and good hygienepractices. To help make these guidelines work for you and your family, a new Web site—fluFACTS.com— provides in-depth flu information and interactive tools with the help of the animated characters from the new movie “Happy Feet.” Vaccine is the number-one way to prevent flu. But if you do find yourself feeling ill, the “Happy Feet” penguins demonstrate three simple steps to fighting flu: Step One: Learn the FACTS of Flu Is it cold or flu? Flu symptoms are different and more severe than a cold. An easy waytotell the difference between cold and flu are remembering the following FAC.TS.: Fever (usually high) * Aches (usually severe) Chills (fairly common) *Tiredness (moderate to severe) Sudden onset. The flu usually comes on very quickly and some describe it “like being hit with a truck.” Step Two: Act Fast, See Your Doctor If you have flu symptoms, see your doctor within 12 to 48 hours, so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated. If you are not sure what to ask your doctor, www.fluFACTS.com provides a list of questions that you can print out andbringto the doctor’s office. Symptoms At A Glance SYMPTOMS COLD FLU Fever Rare Usually present Aches Slight Usual, often severe Chills Uncommon Fairly common Tiredness Mild Moderateto severe Sudden Symptoms Appear gradually Can appear within 3-6 hours Coughing Hacking, productive Dry, unproductive cough Sneezing Common Uncommon Stuffy nose Common Uncommon Sore throat Common Uncommon Chest Discomfort Mild to moderate Often severe Headache Uncommon Common Step Three: Ask About Prescription Anti-viral Medications Thefirst defense against the flu is a flu vaccine. If you do come down with the flu, you'll want to see your doctor right away, so he or she may consider if a prescription anti-viral medication is a good option for you. While the over-thecounter products can relieve symptoms, prescription anti-viral medications actually treat the virus by directly attackingit at its source. If taken within 12-48 hours of symptom onset, anti-virals can reduce the duration of the flu and get you back on your feet faster. In addition, anti-virals may be used to prevent your friends and family members from getting theflu. Other fluFACTS.com features: @ * Test Your Flu IQ. Go to flu FACTS.com to test your flu knowledge. Fill in the gaps by reviewing the symptom charts that explain the difference between cold andflu. Know when the Flu is in Your Area. Type in your zip code to find out if the flu is heading towards your hometown. * Understand Flu Treatment Options. Learn the role of vaccines and anti-virals, over-the- counter treatments and nonmedical alternatives; why antibiotics don’t treat the flu. About Influenza, Impact of Influenza, What Is a Flu Pandemic? For easy reference, bookmark wwwfluFACTS.com to use as a reference throughoutthe flu season.
