Flu Vaccine, Smart Hygiene & Common Sense may be the best Preventive Care you give yourself this flu season. Its definitely in full force, said Dr. Michael Jhung, a medical officer for the CDCs influenza division. The virus thats predominant this year, H3N2, has also been the major culprit in other severe flu seasons. And its a strain thats not covered by this years flu vaccine. May only be 65% effective, says Dr. Prasad from Pulmonary & Critical Care. Still, experts agree a flu shot is your best bet. Theres zero harm in getting the vaccine, said Dr. Davis Liu, a family physician and the author of The Thrifty Patient. H3N2 isnt the only game in town, and this seasons vaccines protect against other strains, he said. Beyond that, prevention comes down to a combination of smart hygiene and common sense. Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and hot water, and use hand sanitizer between washing. Keep your hands away from your face at all times, said Dr. Liu. Pretend youre an astronaut with a helmet on. Dont touch your eyes, ears, nose or mouth. Many people get the flu because they touch a contaminated surface (say, a doorknob) and then their face, where the infection enters the body, he said. Many flu sufferers will just have to let the virus run its course. Doctors recommend over-the-counter medications for alleviating flu symptoms such as high fever, body aches, cough and sore throat. The usual prescriptions also apply: Rest, and drink plenty of fluids.
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 20:34:50 +0000
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