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Flu Prevention
 

 
Daily Bread
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart.
Proverbs 15:30
What if the flu shot is not an option?
Some people should not be vaccinated. These include people with a severe allergy to chicken eggs, who have had a severe reaction to a flu shot, who have Guillain-Barre syndrome and children younger than 6 months of age. For these and others who may not have access to a flu vaccine, there are other things they can do to protect themselves from the illness, which affects 5-20 percent of the population and causes more than 200,000 hospitalizations every year.

Are there other ways to prevent getting the flu?
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick.
  • If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

What about the FluMist™?
FluMist™ is a nasal-spray flu vaccine. It is made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu. FluMist™ is approved for use in healthy people 5-49 years of age who are not pregnant. Ask your physician for more information.

Is there treatment for the flu?
For people who get the flu, there are antiviral treatments that can help. However, they must receive these medicines within 12-24 hours after the onset of symptoms. If you develop these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

What sort of flu season is expected this year?
Influenza season typically peaks in the U.S. between December and March. Flu seasons are unpredictable. Although epidemics of flu happen in most years, the beginning, severity and length of the epidemic can vary widely from year to year. Before a season begins, it is not possible to accurately predict the features of any season.

Published: March 16, 2006


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