You Can Fight the Flu This Winter

Look out—it’s flu season again! The flu strikes 20 to 26 percent of Americans during this time of year. An annual vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself. A nasal flu vaccine is also available for use in healthy people ages 5 to 49 who are not pregnant.

Once you receive the flu vaccine, it takes two weeks for it to become effective in preventing flu. The peak of flu season usually occurs from late December through March. However, January isn’t too late to get a flu shot.

“Although many people are worried about Avian influenza [bird flu] or pandemic influenza, each year about 36,000 Americans die from complications of the common flu, making prevention of this disease very important,” says Susan Patronik, R.N., infection control manager for Salem Hospital.

The truth about flu shots
Do you believe that flu shots are ineffective? Here are some facts:

• The shot may make your arm a little sore. But, contrary to popular opinion, you cannot catch the flu from a shot.
• You may get the flu even if you get vaccinated, but it most likely will be a milder case.

What to know if the flu lays you low
When the flu does strike, comfort yourself with these measures:

• Drink a lot of fluids, such as water, juice and soup. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Try over-the-counter medicines to soothe muscle aches, sore throat, congestion, sneezing, and runny nose.
• Never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever, because of the risk for Reye syndrome (a sudden and sometimes fatal disease of the brain with degeneration of the liver).
• Get plenty of rest.
• Gargle with salt water to relieve a sore throat.
• Ask your doctor about prescription drugs that can make flu symptoms disappear faster if you take them within 48 hours of becoming ill.

Did you know?
You should call your doctor if, after feeling better, you have symptoms of a more serious problem, such as a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking, chills or chest pain.