Full-Fledged Flu

‘Tis the season, folks. Fancy the opportunity to find flu facts while falling onto the sofa. I fear I may have infected a few as I felt the forceful signs form within. Of course, my bout came from fellow flyers during my fortnight of travel. For those flummoxed by my fanciful alliteration, I have an excuse – I’m under the influence of influenza.

First, some flu facts, according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Flu cases start in October/November, usually peak in February and can last until May.
• Flu vaccines kick in about 2 weeks after you get them, so now is the time!
• Flu strains (types) differ each year, hence the call for yearly flu vaccines.
• Almost everyone over 6 months old should get a vaccine. That means you, since you can read.
• The flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics DON’T work!
• People who are at higher risk of flu complications should get antiviral drugs once they have the flu.
  • This includes: kids under age 2, adults over age 65, pregnant women, people with some medical conditions, or those who are hospitalized with the flu.
• Check out “What You Should Know About the 2015-2016 Influenza Season.”

Vaccines: To Take or Not To Take

Some people refuse to take the flu vaccine, due to mistaken beliefs, irrational fears, or stubbornness. Suzanne Koven puts it this way in her STAT article:

[Blaming flu vaccines] is “like blaming umbrellas for the rain.”

Suzanne Koven, A doctor’s explanation of why so many patients say no to flu shots

Did I get a flu vaccine this year? No, too busy. Do I wish I had? Yes, so I could get all the things done I’m thinking about while having the flu!

More information about vaccines is listed here. You can stay up to date on Twitter with @CDCFlu. Good information is also available here.

Here’s wishing you a happy, and HEALTHY holiday!

All content © 2015 by Deborah Collyar unless otherwise specified. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to use short quotes provided a link back to this page and proper attribution is given to me as the original author.