Influenza is here, and prevention in all its forms is the best way to fight the disease. The key is not just prevention for oneself, but also for others. When it comes to the flu, we're contagious before we show any symptoms of illness, so we all need to work together to keep the disease from spreading, and from possibly taking someone's life.
The CDC recommends anyone between ages 6 months to 19 years be vaccinated for flu. Pregnant woman, young children (under age 5, and especially infants), adults over age 50, people who provide medical care, and those with chronic medical conditions are at highest risk for flu and complications, although 90% of flu deaths typically occur among the elderly.
Tips for prevention:
If you're away from home, consider yourself and everyone around you infected, and your hands dirty. Don't touch your face or your mouth, and if possible, carry and use your own pen.
Sneeze and cough if you must, but do it into your elbow whether you're sick or not. Do not cough into the air, onto a shopping cart, even if no one is around. The elbow sneeze catches your contagious mist. Practice it, and teach it to your kids.
Use sanitizing wipes on shopping carts before you touch them, especially if you're going to put your child into the cart.
Wash your hands and your kids' hands thoroughly the very moment you get home. If you put your groceries away first, you will transfer germs to your refrigerator door handle that can live there (remaining contagious) for hours.
If your child is due for a well checkup with her pediatrician, don't settle for anything other than the first appointment of the day.
Make chicken soup with bone-in chicken. It's magic and preventive!
Get the shot:
Of course one of the best strategies for preventing flu, and the most controversial, is to get the flu vaccine. Each year the vaccine protects against three strains that experts have determined are most likely to cause illness in a given season. This year's vaccine protects against 2009 H1N1, and seasonal flu strains Perth H3N2 and B Brisbane. Even if you're inoculated against these viruses, you can spread them to those who have chosen not to vaccinate, simply by neglecting to wash your hands. And it's still possible to become infected with a different strain of flu. If you choose to get a flu shot, continue to wash your hands, sneeze into your elbow, and be vigilant about keeping others from getting sick.
You can get this year's flu shot just about anywhere in Louisville--from your pediatrician, family doctor, favorite pharmacy, or by appointment at the following Louisville Metro Public Health & Wellness clinics where Medicaid, Medicare and Passport are accepted. If you cannot afford the shot, the clinics will not turn you away for inability to pay.
Dixie Health Center inside the Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Hwy., 937-7277
Newburg Health Center, 4810 Exeter Ave., 458-0778
Middletown Health Center, 200 Juneau Dr., 245-1074
Neighborhood Place East, 810 Barret Ave., 574-6638
However you choose to manage your flu prevention this season, by eating well, washing hands, sneezing in a polite direction, or getting inoculated, we can take care of each other.
For more flu information, and to test your Flu I.Q., visit Flu.gov.
Contact the writer at rachel@hurdanger.com
Image: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov)
