Stay Healthy as Flu Season Peaks
Everyone knows how miserable the flu can be: fever, body aches, dry cough, headaches, and a sore throat that can last anywhere from a few days to weeks. The 2009-2010 flu season has proven to most of us that influenza is unpredictable. With the H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses no longer making headlines, you may think it is no longer necessary to take precautionary steps to protect you or your loved ones from the flu. This is not true. The peak of influenza season does not typically occur until January or later, and can run through May, meaning it is more important than ever for you to continue to focus on staying healthy and taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your family members, and others around you from becoming sick with the flu.
Each year, between five and twenty percent of the population is infected with the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications. For some people, the flu is a mild illness. Few people realize, however, that in many cases the flu can be deadly, especially for seniors. The 2009-2010 flu season introduced the additional challenge of the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. According to their Web site, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)estimates that between April and November of 2009:
• Between 34 and 67 million people were infected with the 2009 H1N1 flu virus
• Approximately 213,000 people were hospitalized as a result of H1N1 complications
• Between 7,070 and 13,930 H1N1-related deaths occurred
There are some simple steps that you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu. While it may appear that the worst is behind us, it is important to keep yourself informed and plan ahead for the 2010-2011 flu season.
1. Getting a flu shot is the single most effective way to prevent the flu. On average, the flu vaccine reduces the risk of death by fifty percent within the senior population. Medicare will pay for the shot, and so will many private health insurance plans. Each year, Maxim Health Systems provides flu clinics nationwide. Don’t forget to get your flu-shot early next year- schedule a reminder now!
2. Keep in mind that even if you received a flu shot this year, you will still need to receive another one next year to remain protected. Each year the flu strain changes and your body slowly loses its immunity to the flu.
3. Keep yourself informed- go to info.findaflushot.com or h1n1.findaflushot.com for the most up to date information. You can also receive the latest flu news directly in your e-mail inbox, sign-up for flu updates today!
4. Good health habits like covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze and washing your hands often can also help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.
5. Remember to wash your hands frequently when you are around someone who is sick and make a point of washing them before eating and touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. If you can, avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are not feeling well, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.This will help stop the flu from spreading.
Still have questions about the flu and the flu vaccine? Go to info.findaflushot.com to learn more.