2010-2011 Flu Season: the flu ends with U
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Winnebago County Health Department, recommend everyone from 6 months of age or older be vaccinated against the flu as soon as the 2010-2011 season vaccine becomes available.
People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, the elderly. Additionally, people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma or other lung conditions are also at an increased risk of complications and should make vaccination a priority. Vaccination for healthcare workers and for those that are caregivers of high risk populations should be vaccinated as well as parents of infants less than 6 months. Infants less than 6 months of age are too young to be vaccinated are at a heightened risk of severe complications including hospitalization.
Last year two separate vaccines were recommended, a 2009 H1H1 vaccination and a seasonal flu vaccination. This year there is only one vaccine that has combined the 2009 H1N1, influenza A H3N2, and influenza B. The only exception to the single vaccine is for those children younger than 9 years who are being vaccinated for the first time. The first year they will need a second dose four weeks later. Once you have been vaccinated, your body makes antibodies to protect you from infection.
Also to be noted is that the flu vaccine is not a “live virus” and therefore cannot “give you the flu”. What may happen is that you became exposed prior to or around the time you received the vaccine and become ill. It is also possible that you were exposed to another virus that has similar symptoms. Symptoms of the flu include: fever, chills, body aches, cough, and sore throat.
To protect yourself for these everyday practices:
1. Wash your hands with warm water and soap after coughing, sneezing, or going to the bathroom
2. Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze with a tissue or the crease of your elbow-not your hands.
3. Contain your germs. If you are ill- stay home.
Additionally, if illness is your surroundings, wiping common surfaces with antibacterial solutions may be beneficial. As always a healthy diet, exercise, and adequate sleep boost your immune system which is the best prevention along with the vaccine.
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