Preparing for flu season—get your immunization and be ready

  • Shelly Webb
  • October 22, 2011
  • 295
                        
Summary—The days are getting cooler and it’s obvious we’re heading into winter. Along with preparing for the holidays make sure you’re prepared for viruses and influenza by getting immunized. Story— According to Director of Personal Health Services Beth Crone RN, BSN of the Holmes County Health Department influenza (flu) may be more contagious than you might think, so being prepared for flu season is an important way to combat the illnesses associated with the season. “You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick,” Crone explained. “Most healthy adults may actually be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick.” Crone says that “some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.” “Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk,” Crone added. “These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Preventing the flu is important and the single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated.” In addition to receiving a flu vaccine, Crone suggests avoiding close contact with those who are sick and also staying isolated if you, yourself become sick. “You really need to stay home when you are sick,” Crone said. “Cover your mouth and nose and practice good hand washing often. It’s also important to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth because germs enter the body through the eyes, nose and mouth.” There are other lifestyle practices you can implement into your daily routine that may help you stay healthy. Practicing good health habits, such as, getting plenty of sleep, staying physically active, managing your stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating a healthy diet. Knowing whether or not vaccination is appropriate for each individual is sometimes confusing but Crone said the guidelines for flu vaccine are fairly simple and include most people. “Everyone six months of age or older should get a yearly flu vaccine,” she said. “Ample supplies of influenza vaccine are now available at the local health department. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop an immune response. It’s important to get vaccinated now so that you will be protected when flu season begins. In the United States, influenza season usually begins in October and can last until May.” Some individuals are high risk for influenza and should make sure they are definitely vaccinated as the flu season begins. “These groups of people are especially high risk for developing flu related complications,” Crone added. “Children younger than age five, adults 65 years and older, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, chronic health problems are at a greater risk for flu and should be very proactive.” Flu seasons are unpredictable. Some flu seasons are severe and some are fairly light. In the years between 1976 and 2006 the estimated flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000. Being prepared is the best way to stay healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. in January or February. The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine protects against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season. The vaccines are studied and matched every year to create the best possible scenario for protection. This year’s vaccine is the same vaccine as last year and contains the H1N1 strain. The health department has already offered two mass flu clinics however the vaccine is still available at the Holmes County Health Department Clinic which is located at 931 Wooster Road. Although the health department has relocated their offices, the clinic and Hospice remains at the previous Wooster Road location. Anyone interested in obtaining a flu vaccine may visit or contact the health department at 330-674-5035.


Loading next article...

End of content

No more pages to load