Nov. 5, 2020 | With so much attention currently being focused on COVID-19 and a possible vaccine for the virus, many people may have neglected to get a flu shot, the best possible way of avoiding influenza. Many people are hesitant to get a flu shot every year due to several myths about the vaccine. Like “the flu vaccine can give you the flu.” The flu shot contains “inactive” virus that cannot cause an infection. If you were to contract influenza shortly after receiving the vaccine, it is because it takes up to two weeks for the vaccine to become effective in the body. Another myth is “You don’t need to get the flu vaccine every year.” The vaccine becomes less effective over time and since the strains of influenza that circulate change over time, the vaccine formula changes each year. It is important to get a flu vaccine every year. For those who say if you don’t get a flu shot by November, it’s too late, the flu season can last through April, so make an appointment today.

Nov. 5, 2020 | Anyone can get influenza, a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. You’re especially at risk if you are an older adult, have diabetes, chronic heart or lung disease or an impaired immune system. So it’s important to know certain facts about the disease and how to avoid it. First, is it a cold or the flu? Colds rarely cause a fever or headaches while the flu almost never causes an upset stomach. Flu viruses spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. They usually spread from person to person, though sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick. That means that you can pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

Nov. 5, 2020 | If you’re at high risk of getting the flu, your first line of defense is an annual flu vaccine. There are two types of vaccines. One is the flu shot, an inactivated vaccine containing killed viruses that is given with a needle. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions. The second, a nasal-spray flu vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu, is approved for use in people five years to 49 years of age who are not pregnant. About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year. This includes people 65 years and older, adults and children with chronic heart or lung conditions, health-care workers or care-givers and women who expect to be pregnant during flu season.

Nov. 5, 2020 | Even if you get a flu shot, you should take certain precautions because it takes two weeks after the vaccination for the body to develop the antibodies that will provide protection against the flu. Be sure to eat right, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and wash your hands often during the flu season. An alcohol-based hand gel is helpful when you don’t have time to wash your hands. October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but you can still get vaccinated in December and later. Flu season can begin as early as October and it can last as late as May. Some people should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. They include people who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs and those who have had a severe reaction to a flu vaccination in the past. Most brands of flu vaccine are packaged in vials or syringes that contain latex. People with a severe allergy to latex should not receive vaccine packaged in these containers.

Nov. 5, 2020 | If after taking all the precautions you still come down with the flu, there are things you can do to help make yourself more comfortable during what is most likely a highly uncomfortable period. Drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration, get lots of sleep and use over-the-counter pain relief like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Remember, pain relievers may make you more comfortable, but they won’t make your symptoms go away any faster and may have serious side effects. Ibuprofen can cause stomach pain and ulcers. If taken for a long period of time or in high doses, acetaminophen can be toxic to your liver. It’s a good idea to wear layers of clothes, since the flu often makes you cold one minute and hot the next. Wearing several layers, like a T-shirt, sweatshirt and robe, makes it easy to add or subtract clothes as needed. And yes, warm chicken soup, as it turns out, really is good for you as it can help relieve flu symptoms by breaking up congestion in your chest.