Flu Season Begins
Don’t "Fall" off in these dangerous months of a highly contagious season.
October 15th, 2004
By Sal Roach
With the change of weather, Americans start their yearly fight against the
mighty flu.
The flu?
According to the CDC, 36,000 Americans die each year because of the flu or because
of conditions that develop from the virus.
So what can we do in the name of prevention?
Get your vaccine early. Don’t wait until those cold winter months when the
under of your nose is crusted over and your fever is going to break the thermometer
while you cry for a bowl of Chicken Soup.
Concerns are already being raised that there will not be enough vaccines this
coming winter, so make sure you get yours ASAP.
October and November are the best months to get vaccinated, because they give you
the greatest chance of prevention. People over the age of 50 are at a greater risk
of developing serious complications from the flu, so make sure you spread the news.
Not everyone needs to get vaccinated, and in fact, it may be a danger to some.
New born babies under the age of 6 months do not need the vaccine. Also, check
with your doctor for allergies to the vaccine. Not knowing about an allergic
reaction to this could be fatal.
If you are already sick and running a fever, you should wait before getting
a shot or your condition could actually worsen.
Again, as with everything, prevention is the best medicine, so make sure you
are drinking plenty of vitamin C and liquids at all times. Cleaning out your
system on a daily basis strengthens your immune system and your general virus
fighting abilities.
If you are not a big fan of getting a shot (we know that some people out
there are very afraid of needles) there is also a nasal spray, although you
must be over 5 years of age to take it this way. The difference in the two
is that the shot has a "dead" version of the flu virus in it, while
the spray does not.
Both methods to fight the same diseases have been approved by the CDC.
The flu is so dangerous because it is an airborne disease, meaning that it
spreads when someone else coughs or sneezes near you. So, if you are sick,
stay home. You’re doing more harm than good by coming into an office
or school or public transportation infecting everybody.
Those with Asthma, Diabetes of Congestive Heart Failure should pay
particular attention to flu prevention tactics, as these conditions are
especially vulnerable.
Before you start carving up your pumpkins, give yourself some peace of
mind in this yearly fight.
View Previous Articles
|
