GREAT BAY– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) is advising persons at risk with the onset of the annual flu season, to get their flu shot. One must also bear in mind that the flu shot will not protect you against pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus.
It is documented that one of the best ways to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, and people of any age can get it.
It can be mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. One of the best ways to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and lessen the chance that you will transmit to others is to get a ‘flu shot,’ and the other possibility is preventive measures or good health habits.
There are two types of influenza vaccines that protect against seasonal flu.
The ‘flu shot’ is an inactivated vaccine that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. Persons who are at risk and should take their seasonal flu vaccine include person’s 65-years and older; pregnant women, persons with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, and persons with immune compromised conditions.
Persons who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities and health care workers should also get their flu shot.
The second type of influenza vaccine is the nasal-spray flu vaccine. It is administered by nasal sprayer and is approved for use only among healthy people 2-49 years of age.
Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine.
Consult your family physician about seasonal flu shots, which can also be administered by the former.
Good health habits may also protect you against the flu. These include covering your cough and washing your hands often, which can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and keep your distance from others to protect them from getting too sick. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Practice other good health habits such as getting plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553.