INDIANAPOLIS -- The flu has officially returned to Indiana and health officials say the season is starting earlier than usual.
Staff at Community Health Network say they have already seen cases of both Influenza A and B strains this year.
The good news, however, is that you can already get this year's flu vaccine.
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“This is very early,” said Lexi Yoo, nurse practitioner at Community Health Network. “Typically we see the flu kind of rise about November and then it will peak over the next couple of months, all the way through March is when we saw it kind of dying off last year.”
Typical symptoms of the flu include:
- ever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater
- headache
- fatigue
- cough
- muscle aches
- sore throat
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While there is no cure for the flu, some medications can help ease symptoms, according to health officials.
How can you tell if you have the flu, allergies or the traditional cold?
If you are feeling the effects of allergies, you typically won't have a fever or much fatigue or body aches. If you have a cold, you might have a mild fever and some body aches. You might feel weak and even have some ear congestion. Colds generally last about a week.
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If you're diagnosed with the flu, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands and stay home.
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