As seasonal influenza arrives again in Northeast Ohio, Dr. Walter Vieweg, occupational physician at Lake Health System, advises readers on how to help prevent the virus from invading their households.
Who should consider getting the flu shot? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a flu vaccine for everyone ages 6 months and older. People who care for infants, those who have chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and woman who are breastfeeding should consider getting the flu shot. “The good thing is when a pregnant mom gets the flu shot, (studies show it can) give her baby a little immunity,” Vieweg says. The CDC reports the antibodies can protect babies against the flu for six months after they are born.
How Should You get Vaccinated?
Vieweg says flu season can start as early as October and last through March. A trivalent vaccine protects against three flu viruses (H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B) and a quadrivalent protects against the same viruses and one additional B virus. Most flu shots are given by injection with a needle, but a nasal spray vaccine also is available. Women who are pregnant, children ages 2 and younger, and those allergic to eggs are among those who should not receive the nasal vaccine.
Got the Flu? You stayed away from people who were ill, washed your hands and practiced good hygiene, but you still got the flu — it happens.
“It’s generally recommended that as long as you’re stable and well-hydrated, it’s better to avoid the emergency room unless your symptoms become extreme,” Vieweg says.
He adds to limit exposure to everyone in the household by cleaning common surfaces, throwing away tissues and having others avoid common objects used. Also, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
For more information, visit lakehealth.org or flu.gov
