Newswise — You’re having that dreaded feeling. Your muscles are aching, you’ve got a a fever and sore throat . Get ready: It is flu season again!
The flu is a respiratory virus that’s contagious. In addition to the symptoms above, a, cough and headache, as well as diarrhea may indicate the virus is present.
The influenza virus may linger a few days or several weeks. However, in severe cases, it can be deadly. Those at high risk include the elderly, children, and people with some chronic health conditions. However, everyone is susceptible, which is why it’s so important to thwart it if possible.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when people with the flu sneeze or cough, droplets can travel as far as six feet from the source. The flu virus may also be transferred to people if it’s on a surface.
You don’t have to take getting the flu lying down (unless absolutely necessary). That’s why LifeBridge Health has two of the most important ways to prevent someone in your family from catching it.
“For most people, the best way to avoid the flu is by rolling up your sleeve and getting vaccinated every year,” say Peter Andrews, P.A., director of employee health at LifeBridge Health. “Each season, different strains of the seasonal flu are targeted. You should always check with your own doctor to make sure you are physically able before receiving the shot or nasal spray.”
This year’s seasonal flu vaccine includes protection against the 2009 H1N1 virus, the H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus.
Andrews adds, “Just remember that it takes about two weeks after getting the vaccine before antibodies develop in the body to protect against the influenza virus.”
You should try to get the flu shot as soon as you can. However, it can still be effective if you get it as late as May. The peak flu season is usually January or later, although cases of the virus can begin as early as this month.
The vaccine is not the only way to prevent the flu. Hand washing with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of the virus. Using soap and water for between 15 and 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday”) is easy and invaluable. However, an alcohol-based hand rub also works.
For more information about this year’s flu, specific risk groups, hand washing and germs, go to www.washyourhandsmaryland.org/.
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