One of the best ways to decrease your chances of getting the flu is to get an seasonal flu shot.  Other healthy habits that may limit the spread of germs include:

• Washing your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Cover your nose or mouth with a tissue or use your upper sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands.
• Try to avoid contact with sick people. If you are caring for someone with the flu, make sure you wash your hands often and clean/disinfect surfaces frequently.
• If you are sick with the flu or flu-like illness, it is recommended that you contact your PCP as soon as possible to see if you could benefit from an antiviral medication. This medication may help shorten the length of the flu illness as well as help decrease your chances of a secondary infection like pneumonia which could lead to an unexpected hospitalization.
• If you're sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. It’s recommended to use a facemask if you’re sick and will be around others.

Flu: Anyone can get the flu, but it is most serious in those who are 65 or older, as well as people with a chronic health condition, such as asthma, diabetes, COPD or congestive heart failure, or a weakened immune system.

Pneumonia: You're more likely to develop pneumonia if you are 65 or older, smoke, have a chronic health condition such as heart or lung disease, or have a weakened immune system.

Flu: The flu occurs most often in the winter months. Flu season usually lasts from October - March, though it can last as late as May. Illnesses resembling the flu may occur in summer months, but they are usually due to other viruses.

Pneumonia: Pneumonia can strike anyone at any time of the year.>

Flu: Flu viruses are constantly changing so it’s important to get a flu shot every year. The flu season typically begins as early as October and can last until May. It can take two weeks for the flu shot to provide protection, so it’s important to get it early in the fall (September or October). Getting vaccinated later, however, can still be beneficial.

Pneumonia: A pneumococcal vaccine can help protect against some of the most common and serious types of pneumococcal infections. There are two pneumococcal vaccines that protect against pneumococcal infections. If you’re older than 65, have a chronic health condition or smoke, please check with your PCP to ensure you are up to date on your pneumonia vaccines.

Flu: After you’ve been infected with the flu virus, it takes as little as one to five days for symptoms to appear.

Pneumonia: After you’ve been infected with a pneumonia-causing organism, it takes as little as one to three days, or as long as seven to 10 days for symptoms to appear.

Flu: Usually, a health care provider will diagnose a case of the flu based on typical symptoms of fever, chills, headache, cough and body aches. A “rapid flu test” is the most commonly used test in a provider's office and generally can get results in 30 minutes or less. Your PCP may also offer virtual visits if you think you may have the flu, keeping you out of the provider's office and possibly spreading the virus to others.

Pneumonia: You must see a health care provider to guarantee appropriate treatment and successful recovery. Your provider will first listen to your chest for crackling noises and tap your chest to check for dull thuds indicating fluid-filled lungs. If necessary, an X-ray can help confirm if you have pneumonia.

Flu: Lots of rest and drinking plenty of fluids are usually adequate. You can also consult with your PCP to see if it is appropriate to use influenza antiviral drugs. Antivirals may make your illness milder and help you feel better sooner. Remember to stay home and do not come in close contact with anyone to prevent spreading the flu to others.

Pneumonia: Antibiotics (usually five to 14 days), rest, and plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Be sure to contact your PCP if you do not feel better or if you develop a worsening cough, shortness of breath, or feel weak or faint when you stand up.

The flu shot is your best protection against flu viruses. However, the vaccine does not provide protection against non-flu viruses that can cause colds and other respiratory illnesses. It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between a cold and the flu based on symptoms alone.

The flu shot also won’t protect you from flu viruses that are already in your body when you get a flu shot. The flu shot takes about two weeks to provide protection from the flu, so it’s important to get it early in the flu season.