A month ago, I had Flu A AND Bronchitis (I guess my body couldn’t decide between the two and went with both). It hit me like a semi truck! I tend to get bronchitis any time I get a cold, so I knew what that was. However, I get the flu vaccine every single year (including this year), so having the flu was an unpleasant surprise.
Fortunately, since I’d had the vaccine, the duration for my flu was shorter than it typically would’ve been. I still swear by the vaccine – I have gotten one, annually, for over 12 years and this is the first year I’ve gotten the flu.
I’ll take those odds.
I’ve noticed a lot of people seem to think that flu season is over and that the risk of getting the flu is non-existent if you’ve had the flu shot. That’s the kind of thinking that’ll lead you to the ER.
The flu season is still in swing and, to be honest, may even be more easily spread since so many people are dropping their guard.
Make sure you (and everyone you care about) are still frequently washing your hands and practicing excellent flu-prevention habits.
Always wash your hands after you’ve touched anything handled by others..
- grocery carts
- ATM machines
- You-Scans
- pens
- card readers
- etc..
Below is a news release that will really drive the point home. The flu can be extra dangerous for children, people with pre-existing diseases or conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease..), and the elderly.
Be cautious and stay well! ~ Joi
St. Jude flu expert and WHO vaccine composition team member encourages everyone to get the flu shot
Dr. Richard Webby of St. Jude still advocates for everyone to get the flu shot— it’s not too late
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its most recent Weekly Flu Report, indicating that flu activity remains high across the nation, with nine new deaths of children and over 321,000 flu-related deaths between October and March. The report also indicates that there has been a shift to the more harsh H3N2 strain of influenza in the Southeast.
Richard Webby, Ph.D., a member of the Department of Infectious Diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, again urged all Americans to get a flu shot and that is it not too late.
“The most effective public health tool available to protect individuals from the flu virus is taking the necessary steps to receive the vaccine. It is not too late to get a flu shot and the vaccine remains fully effective even at this late date. The more of the public who receives the vaccine means a greater reduction in overall influenza illness.
“The vaccine is not perfect, but it remains an extremely effective and life-saving public health tool.We all must do our part to protect ourselves and our neighbors, while looking out for the most vulnerable members of our society – and that begins by getting the flu shot,” said Dr. Webby of St. Jude Children’s Hospital and one of a select group of scientists responsible for making recommendations on the composition of flu vaccines each year.”
Dr. Webby recently penned a guest column in Newsweek encouraging the public to get the flu vaccination – it’s not too late.
Many pediatric patients at St. Jude are at a greater risk of getting sick from influenza (flu) and other viral infections because of their diseases and treatments. Therefore, helping to disseminate lifesaving educational information about flu prevention techniques is of paramount importance to the St. Jude Infectious Diseases Department. November through February are peak flu months, and last year’s flu season was one of the deadliest in history.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Infectious Diseases Department has released a fact sheet with useful tips on prevention titled “Controlling the Spread of Colds and Flu.”
In addition to receiving the flu vaccine, there are also additional simple and effective prevention tips to protect you and your family.
Some of these include:
- Cleaning your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Staying home if you’re sick.
- Covering your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze. Also, washing your hands after coughing or sneezing.
- Avoiding touching your nose and mouth.
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