Duck and Cover—Flu Season is Here!
Influenza. Just the name sounds ominous, doesn’t it?
The “flu”—okay, now that sounds a whole lot less serious. Maybe, but don’t let influenza’s nickname catch you off guard. It can be very dangerous, even downright deadly, for some folks, specifically for the very young, the elderly, and the immune-compromised individual.
So, what’s the best way for everyone to stay protected? It’s actually quite simple: Hand washing. Frequent hand sanitization—especially after being out and about, touching store doors, shopping cart handles, and shaking people’s hands—can dramatically reduce your chances of infection. When you enter your home, go directly to the sink, even before taking off your coat!
In addition to diligent hand washing routines, annual flu vaccinations are recommended by the American Medical Association for nearly all individuals. I do realize some people take issue with vaccinations, so this “Man vs. Flu” defensive option is your own personal call.
I never had the flu shot before—up until this year. The reason for my change of mind? Up until last year, I had never contracted the flu (even though I worked with many patients and was frequently out and about). I employed diligent hand washing and added to that the practice of never rubbing my eyes, nose, and face with unwashed hands. Well, last year, for the first time in 52 years, I came down with the flu. It was awful. It lasted for 2 weeks (even when given Tamiflu in time). It was followed by 2 weeks of bronchitis. That was followed by 10 days of antibiotics, cough suppressants and steroids. I took me a full month afterwards to regain my normal lung capacity.
So, this year, even though the flu shot is only partially effective (based on the flu strains which are in circulation) and considering my past hesitancy towards “foreign fluids” being injected into my body, I decided that 2 months of severe suffering was something I would try my best to avoid this time around.
If you suspect you have the flu, or even if you just think you have a bad virus or a cold, STAY HOME! Cough/sneeze away from people, better yet, remove yourself at least 3 feet away from others if you’re having a coughing/sneezing episode. Throw away used tissues. And, wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands!