According to Dr. David Topham, immunology and microbiology professor at Rochester University, the flu season officially starts in September and ends in spring. Due to its two-season span, healthcare providers are advising people to take all the precautionary measures to escape this flu season without many complications.
- A vaccine does not help just you; it is a gesture that benefits the entire community.
- The virus strains that cause the flu change every year, so it is important to get vaccinated every year.
- The influenza virus penetrates the respiratory system much deeper than the ordinary flu.
Here are the best ways to keep you and your family protected against the flu virus:
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Get Vaccinated for This Flu Season
The influenza is caused by a virus, so there is no treatment for the illness. However, the condition can be prevented with a vaccine. Moreover, since every year, there is a different dominant virus strain, people must get vaccinated every year.
Doctors urge the population to get immunized against the influenza virus because it does not just cause muscle aches, a runny nose, and a persistent cough. The disease can prove to be lethal in cases in which the patient has an already compromised immune system.
Another thing that was stressed by healthcare representatives is the fact that the flu vaccine does not give you the flu. While some patients may feel some symptoms similar to those of the flu, they are not infected with the disease, per se.
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Proper Hygiene Is Crucial
Proper hygiene is always important, but during flu season people must remember to wash their hands every time they leave the house, use the toilet, make contact with another individual, and was exposed to a crowded area.
Furthermore, the CDC recommends individuals to avoid all crowded areas and wear a mask when using public transportation.
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The CDC Does Not Support the Nasal Spray Vaccine
Some people do not want to get the flu vaccine because they are afraid of needles or are concerned that they will contract other diseases through the procedure. That is why they resort to the non-invasive nasal spray vaccine.
However, the CDC has proof that the nasal spray vaccine is not as effective as the injection, declaring that people who use the nasal spray vaccine will not be considered vaccinated.
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Stay Home When You Get Sick
The influenza virus is airborne, meaning that it can be easily transmitted from person to person via a cough or a sneeze. The best solution to contain a possible epidemic is to keep the infected individuals contained.
If more people stay at home while experiencing flu-like symptoms, fewer individuals will get sick in the end.
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Drink Plenty of Fluids and Go to a Hospital if Symptoms Get Worse
If you get vaccinated, but you still come down with the flu, it is important to stay in bed and drink plenty of fluids. However, if the symptoms get worse, you should visit the emergency room because the flu can cause life-threatening complications.
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