The flu season is on and the government recommends every citizen to have those flu jabs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week’s flu report, the flu was spread across 35 states in the US.
Rachel Haims, MD, medical director and primary care physician at Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare in Wayland, strictly recommends vaccination for all.
She says, proper vaccination on or before the end of the flu season will decrease the risk of developing flu. Immunization may help in decreasing the chance of getting the flu by as much as 70 to 90 percent.
Seniors, children between the ages of six months (the earliest point at which flu vaccine is given) and five years, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions are at high risk.
Flu symptoms include fever, coughing, a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue.
Dr. Haims recommends some of the steps that help you in protecting yourself against flu:
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and sensitive areas. This helps in spread of germs.
- Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Practice good health habits.
- Have good sleep. Engage in exercise daily.
- Drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy food.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- If you are suffering from flu, stay at home for at least 24 hours.
