A sore throat. A headache. Body aches. A persistent cough. We’ve all had those symptoms and it’s easy to immediately chalk them up to a common cold. But what if it’s a more serious virus, like the flu?  
Last year’s widespread influenza season was the longest in 10 years, lasting 21 weeks and infecting more than 37 million Americans. Preliminary results estimate the flu killed between 36,400 and 61,200 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). It also resulted in nearly 650,000 hospitalizations. Consider these tips on how to help manage the flu season.
n Don’t wait. Get vaccinated.Flu season continues through the winter and well into spring. Getting a flu shot right away is a good step to help protect oneself, one’s family and the public. To find a list of flu vaccine providers nearby, visit the CDC’s Flu Vaccine Finder. Keep in mind that it will take the body about two weeks after vaccination to develop protection against the flu.
n Avoid spreading germs. To help avoid spreading germs, wash hands regularly and cover your mouth (with the inside of the elbow, not the hands) when coughing or sneezing. A sneeze ejects 100,000 viral particles into the air. These can travel 200 feet.
n Feeling symptoms? Check it out.
If you think someone might have the flu, even after receiving a flu shot, call a primary care physician, visit a convenient care retail clinic or urgent care clinic, or schedule a virtual visit. Treatment for any viral illness starts with lots of rest, liquids and acetaminophen or aspirin (though aspirin should not be given to children).
People who are very sick or at high risk for serious flu complications may be treated with antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir, commonly known by the brand name Tamiflu. A primary care physician can assess whether an antiviral medication is right.
n When sick, stay home. Stay home to prevent spreading it to others even if just suspecting its the flu. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others one day before symptoms appear and up to seven days after becoming sick.
n Know your risk level. The flu is of greatest concern for the very young, the very old or those with co-existing medical conditions. Here are some examples of groups at risk and the steps they should consider taking when symptoms begin:
n Pregnant women should contact their obstetricians to report their symptoms.
n People with diabetes, particularly those using insulin who develop difficult-to-control glucose levels, should contact their physician at first symptoms of the flu.
n Those with weakened immune systems should alert their physician of their flu symptoms.
n Those experiencing an increasing shortness of breath, especially people with chronic asthma or heart failure, should go to an emergency room for treatment.
Symptoms of a cold are often similar to the flu. Make sure to know what to look for and when it’s time to see a doctor or go to an urgent care clinic before it becomes serious.
Dr. John Chang is a senior medical director for UnitedHealthcare.