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It's in September and the kids are back to school. This is the perfect time to start thinking about the flu and ways to prevent the virus from taking over your family.
This may seem early, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have already released their vaccination guidelines for influenza this year.
IN FASHION NOW:
Normally, the flu begins to flow late in the fall until early spring, but the CDC reminds people to get vaccinated before the end of October. Anyone over the age of six months who has no medical reason not to do so should be vaccinated.
Children aged 6 months to 8 years may need two doses spaced four weeks apart, meaning that the first dose should be administered as soon as it is available and the second by the end of October.
According to the CDC, in addition to children, people over the age of 50 and anyone with chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular, renal, blood and metabolic disorders should be assured of being vaccinated each year. Anyone living in a retirement home or other long-term care facility, as well as anyone who is immunocompromised, should also receive the vaccine.
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The same can be said for caregivers, whether for children or for the elderly or the sick.
For a complete list of people who are at high risk for influenza and should be vaccinated, click here.
The CDC says it takes about two weeks after receiving the shot for the body to make enough antibodies to protect against the flu.
Apart from influenza vaccine, how can you maintain your health and that of your family during the flu season?
The CDC suggests:
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- When you are sick, limit the exposure of other people.
- Stay at home for at least 24 hours after the end of the fever, unless you need medical attention or other necessities.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze.
- Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect services that may be contaminated.
If you get the flu shot, you may experience pain, redness or even swelling at the injection site, mild fever, and pain. But remember that the flu vaccine is a dead virus, and that you can not catch the flu, the CDC said.
The nasal spray version of the vaccine is a weakened form of the virus. Children may have a runny nose, wheezing, headache, vomiting, muscle aches or fever as a side effect. According to the CDC, adults can have runny noses, headaches, sore throats and coughs if they use the nasal spray version.
To find a store where you can get a flu shot, click here and enter your postal code.
© 2018 Cox Media Group.
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