About 5 to 20 percent of U.S. residents suffer from the seasonal flu each year, according to Flu.gov, a government website managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

In the United State, the flu season typically peaks in January or February, although flu activity may start as early as October and run through May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We asked three experts throughout the region to give you more information about how to prevent, recognize and treat the flu this season, starting now.

Prevention

“The seasonal flu is a serious and contagious disease, which can cause illness, hospitalizations and even deaths to persons of all ages,” said Dr. Bernadette deGuzman, a physician for Springfield Regional Medical Group’s South Burnett Family Practice in Springfield who holds a Master of Public Health degree. “Often overlooked are the economic, academic and financial impacts of missing work or school and decreased productivity that result when someone is ill from the flu. It is also being a good family member, co-worker, and citizen not to spread this or any disease to those around you.”

Here are seven strategies to help you avoid getting the flu.

• “Vaccinate yearly against (the) seasonal flu. It’s never too late through the holiday season and beyond to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
• “Wash your hands regularly with soap and water as (long) as it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice. If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.”
• “Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth so you don’t spread germs.”
• “Routinely clean objects to remove germs from items that are frequently touched. This includes door knobs, toys, faucet handles, keyboards, phones, kitchen counters, bedside tables and bathroom sinks.”
• “Have plenty of disposable tissues and wipes, soap, paper towels and alcohol-based hand rubs on site.”
• “Stay healthy. Get plenty of sleep, and eat nutritious foods. Drink plenty of water and clear liquids to avoid getting dehydrated.”
• “Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue if you cough or sneeze. If a disposable tissue is not available, cough or sneeze in your elbow or sleeve.”

Signs and symptoms

“It is important for people to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of (the) flu,” said Dr. Chandan Gupta, a family medicine physician at Monroe Medical Center in Monroe. “… By recognizing it early, they can take extra precautions to reduce transmission, especially to the elderly and otherwise sick people. Also, if a person who is at high risk of developing complications develops flu symptoms, they should seek medical attention early.”

Here are common flu symptoms, Gupta explained.

• Fever, usually higher than 101 degrees F or 37.8 degrees C. “Typically, it comes on very abruptly,” Gupta said.
• Dry cough
• Headache
• Severe body ache
• Relatively milder sore throat or runny nose

Most people with the uncomplicated flu recover within one to two weeks, while elderly people and those with a weakened immune system are at higher risk of developing complications, Gupta said. Here are concerning symptoms she said are suggestive of a complicated flu.

• Trouble breathing
• Pain or pressure in the chest or belly
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe vomiting

In addition, Gupta said children need medical attention if they show these signs.

• Trouble breathing
• Turn blue or purple
• Poor fluid intake
• Poor interaction or difficulty waking up
• Unusually fussy or unhappy
• Get better from flu initially, but later get sick again
• Fever with rash

Treatment

The main reason people should know about treating the flu is so that the spread of the illness within the community can be prevented, said Dr. Thomas Hirt, a family practice physician at PriMed Centerville Family Practice in Centerville.

“By far, the best way to treat the flu is to prevent it in the first place through vaccination,” he said.

Here is Hirt’s best advice for flu treatment.

• “Antiviral medications are only effective if started within 24 to 48 hours of symptom onset, so it is important to be seen immediately if (the) flu is suspected.”
• “There are only two recommended drugs to treat the flu: Tamiflu, a pill taken twice a day for five days, and Relenza, inhaled twice a day for five days.”
• “Taking the anti-viral medication will not necessarily ‘cure’ the flu but will make symptoms less severe and can shorten the illness by one to two days.”
• “It is important to not overuse these medications, as this can lead to resistance. Amantadine, a drug used in the past to treat (the) flu, is no longer recommended due to the development of resistance.”
• “It is important to distinguish between influenza (the flu) and other upper respiratory viruses. Colds, viral bronchitis, etc. will not respond to the influenza medications.”
• “Your doctor probably can perform a rapid flu test in the office and get an answer within 10 to 15 minutes. The test is typically about 90 percent accurate.”
• “Regardless of whether Tamiflu or Relenza are given, it is important to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take Tylenol or ibuprofen for symptom relief.”
• “Stay home until you are feeling better, certainly until (your) fever has resolved. If you suspect you have the flu, don’t go to work or school in the first place, since flu can be contagious for up to 24 hours before you have symptoms.”
• “If you have a chronic illness, especially COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or emphysema, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or chronic kidney disease, and you think you have the flu, see your doctor as soon as possible to help prevent more serious complications.”