Prevention
Good preventive measures include:
- Avoid close contact with people who have respiratory infections.
- Wash your hands often, especially when you come in contact with someone who is sick. Rubbing alcohol-based cleaners on your hands is also helpful.
- Do not share drinks or personal items.
- Do not bite your nails or put your hands near your eyes, mouth, or nose.
-
Consider the
flu vaccine
. You will need one each year since the exact virus changes.
-
Indications for a yearly flu vaccine, which should be discussed with your doctor:
- Persons older than 50 years of age
- Residents and employees of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
- People with chronic heart and lung conditions
- People with chronic metabolic disease, kidney problems, hemoglobin abnormalities, or immune system problems
- Children and teenagers routinely taking aspirin
- Pregnant women
- Healthcare providers
- Household members of high-risk individuals
- Children age six months to five years
- Anyone wishing to reduce their risk of getting the flu should consider the vaccine.
-
Indications for a yearly flu vaccine, which should be discussed with your doctor:
For the elderly in the community, vaccine can lead to fewer hospitalizations and deaths. * 2
Two forms of flu vaccine are available. One is an injectable form and the other is a nasal spray (FluMist). Studies found that the nasal spray led to fewer cases of influenza in a single flu season. Talk to your doctor about which vaccine is the most appropriate for you or your child. * 1
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
Improved
479 HealthChanged
215 LivesSaved
160 LivesPopular this Week
- Is it normal for my arm muscle in my shoulder to hurt 2 weeks after flu shot? 851 reads 447 comments
- How long are diseases contagious if you are taking antibiotics? 698 reads 3 comments
- Pain in arm after flu shot 529 reads 253 comments
- why my shoulder STILL hurts after 2010 flu shot 132 reads 130 comments
Connect with Women Like You 27 Women Care About this Condition
You're not alone. Connect with other women who are going through what you're going through, who understand and are here for you!
+ Join this Community
