Real flu is dangerous and we tend to forget it can be a killer. Once you contract it, there's not much you can do except treat the symptoms, so it's better not to get it. Symptoms of flu are high fever, headache, severe muscle aches, general malaise and dry cough. Annapolis internist David Barnes, M.D., who specializes in infectious disease, said a new, but expensive, treatment is available to counteract the flu, but it must be administered in the first 24-48 hours after contracting the virus, and most people don't know they have the flu until it's too late. Rest, acetaminophen, and lots of fluids are the only way to treat it.
Most flu shots are boosters that include several strains of flu viruses.
However, some strains mutate along the way, making that particular strain impervious to the vaccine. If it looks like a late flu may infiltrate the U.S., then a second vaccine is recommended in February or March. People at risk should check with their primary care physicians about whether a second shot is needed. Fever Fever is the body's natural response to an infection. It has a direct effect by damaging some bacteria and also helps intensify our immune response.