* Antiviral drugs fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body.
    * Antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. This could be especially important for people at high risk.
    * For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
    * Flu-like symptoms include fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches.

I developed the flu a few years ago.  Really, truly, not much fun.  Fortunately I did see my PCP quickly since I suspected either strep throat or maybe the flu.  The rapid strep test came back negative, but the rapid flu test was positive for Influenza A virus.  I received a prescription for Tamiflu, apologies that it would get worse before it got better, and orders to rest, drink lots of fluids, etc. 

I thanked myself for going in so quickly (one day after symptom onset) and for using an antiviral medication which certainly helped my experience be less grotesque.  BTW, yes, I did get my flu vaccine that year.  It was a tough year for many in my area of the country.

So unless you are currently in a flare-up or have recently used high-dose steroids, get out there and get vaccinated.  Protect yourself and your loved ones.

Click here to see weekly updates regarding reports of Influenza during the 2008-2009 Flu Season.

Lisa Emrich is author of the blog Brass and Ivory: Life with MS and RA and founder of the Carnival of MS Bloggers.