Flu season has started. Last week I got my annual flu shot. Because I take a lot of immune suppressant medications I have to get a flu shot every year. I thought I would take this opportunity to talk about protecting yourself during flu season. And the importance of getting a flu shot every year.
Flu season begins in October and ends in April or May. Influenza (flu) is a contagious disease that spreads around the United States every single year. This virus is genuinely spread through sneezing, coughing, and close contact.
Flu symptoms:
Fever
Chills
Sore throat
Muscle aches
Fatigue
Cough
Headache
Runny or stuffy nose
Influenza often times leads to pneumonia and blood infections. In fact, thousands of people die every year from the flu. A lot more are hospitalized. For those of us who have a chronic condition that require us to take immune suppressant medications it is important that we get a flu shot. This protects us from getting the flue. If I was to get the flu it would make my breathing a lot worse and I would end up in the hospital. Who wants that? I know I don’t.
Those who should get a flu shot:
Infants
Those 65 or older
Pregnant women
Those with asthma
Those with emphysema
Those with other lung issues
Those with diabetes
Those who have had a stroke
Those with any neurologic issues
Those with heart disease
Those who have cancer or had cancer
Those with kidney issues
Those with liver issues
Those who have HIV or Aids
Those who take medications that suppressed the immune system
Those who are obese
There are things we can do to protect ourselves from getting the flu along with the flu shot. It’s important during this time of year to be watchful and protect yourself.
Ways to protect yourself that go along with the flu shot:
Wash your hands
Stay away from those who are sick
Stay home if you are sick
Take antiviral medications
Here are some links:
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