Every year about 20 percent of the population gets influenza, commonly known as “the flu” which is a highly infectious and serious viral respiratory infection that can result in hospitalization and in severe cases, even death. The virus is highly infectious and the symptoms are more severe than those experienced when suffering from colds and other infections. Time lost from school or work is significant. In the elderly or very young and people who already have medical conditions, such as chronic respiratory disease, heart or kidney disease, diabetes, or HIV infection the risk is high.
The virus spreads by breathing in through your nose or mouth the droplets released by coughs and sneezes from someone who has the flu. The virus is also found on the hands of people with the flu and on surfaces they have touched.
Because of its severity, doctors recommend people get vaccinated against the flu. A new vaccination is devised every year and the killed influenza virus is injected into muscles which stimulates the immune system to create antibodies against the current strain. And just because you got a flu shot last year, doesn’t mean you can skip the procedure this year. The World Health Organization identifies three strains that are predicted to be most common each year and you need to be sure your body is making antibodies against this year’s virus, which is prepared afresh each year. The shots are effective for four to six months.
Those who say they never get sick, still need to get immunized every fall. If you get even mild symptoms, you could be carrying the virus to those who are vulnerable and you could pass it to your co-workers, family, and friends.
Amongst some scientific circles, there is much controversy over the effectiveness of the immunization process for the flu. Sometimes, the vaccine does not match the strain that was dominant and people get the flu anyway. Some people claim they get sick from the flu shot, but medical professionals assure us that this is impossible: the flu vaccine cannot cause influenza because it does not contain any live virus. Mild side-effects occasionally are experienced and a soreness at the point of injection is felt but all are gone in 48 hours. If you have an egg allergy you should not get a flu shot.
Despite all precautions, if you do get the flu, you should increase the amount of water, juice, and soups that you drink and get plenty of rest. There are some medications but they are most effective if you begin to take them within 48 hours of the start of your symptoms. The best way to prevent the flu is by washing your hands frequently.
Look after yourself and you’ll have a flu-free winter and be ready to greet the warmer days of spring.
