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If you need a reminder, flu season is fast approaching. Being infected with flu means missing work, school and special events like big game, a wedding or a vacation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during the influenza season 2016-2017, about 30.9 million people became ill, 14.5 million were treated and about 600,000 people were hospitalized , all seized.
Influenza activity can begin in October and continue until May, but usually peaks in January or February. Symptoms of the flu may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and / or fatigue.
The flu virus is easily spread by the droplets of an infected person when it talks, coughs or sneezes. People can also get the flu by touching an infected surface or object, then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose. People with the flu virus can pass it on to others.
The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year.
Because influenza strains change every year and your body's level of immunity compared to last year's vaccine has decreased, you can not rely on last year's vaccine to protect you during this season influenza. The influenza vaccine is updated every year to protect against several influenza viruses or strains that may circulate and cause illness in the coming influenza season.
Although the vaccine does not fit perfectly with all influenza strains in circulation, it still protects and can prevent people who contract the flu from experiencing more serious complications, such as pneumonia, ear or sinus infections dehydration and aggravation of chronic diseases. medical conditions. People at higher risk of developing flu-related complications include children under 5, adults 65 and over, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease , pulmonary) and people living with this disease. or take care of high-risk people.
All persons 6 months of age and older should receive an influenza vaccine each year as soon as the vaccine is available. People who get the flu shot can help stop the spread of the flu to protect people who can not get vaccinated, such as infants under 6 months of age. There are also other protective measures that people can take to easily prevent the spread of the flu:
»Wash your hands often with hot water and soap for at least 20 seconds.
»Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or the crook of your elbow. Do not forget to wash your hands afterwards.
If you are sick, stay away from work, study or go home.
The flu shot can not give you the flu. Viruses contained in influenza vaccines are weakened or inactivated (killed), which means that they can not cause the disease in its own right. If you develop flu-like symptoms shortly after receiving the vaccine, it may mean that you may have been exposed to the flu before receiving the vaccine or for two weeks that the body needs protection to get it. protect after being vaccinated.
If you are one of the unlucky people who gets the flu, you may want to consult your family doctor. Your doctor can test for influenza to rule out other illnesses. If the flu is confirmed, your provider may prescribe an antiviral drug to help curb the virus attack. However, the antiviral is only useful if it is started within 48 hours of the onset of flu-like symptoms.
Take the first step in the fight against the flu by getting vaccinated against the flu. It is available in your doctor's office, in medical clinics, in pharmacies and at the health service in your area. Learn more about MissTheFlu.com.
Kathryn Whitestone Goodman is the information officer for the Thomas Jefferson Health District.
This section, which promotes community health, is sponsored by the Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, the Ten Area Community Services Council, the Thomas Jefferson Health District, and the University of Virginia Health System.
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