By Maria Jauhar, M.D.
The single-best best way to avoid getting sick this flu season is to be vaccinated. Even if you were vaccinated last year, you must receive a flu vaccine again, as the virus changes each flu season. In fact, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual vaccine for anyone aged six months and older. Scheduling a flu vaccine is easy, and we can do it for you. Just click here to schedule an appointment.
There are two forms of vaccine available. You can receive a flu shot, with is administered through an injection, or, if you are healthy and under the age of 50, your vaccine can be administered via nasal spray. In addition, pregnant women and anyone with asthma should not receive the nasal vaccine and should opt instead for a flu shot. In either case, you should not delay in getting vaccinated, as it takes about two weeks for the vaccination to protect you against the flu.
Flu Season Tips
But there is more you can do to protect yourself against the flu. First, wash your hands often, especially when you come in contact with someone who is sick. This is not only good practice during flu season, but also year-round. In order to disinfect your hands, you should wash them for 15 to 20 seconds with soap and water or with a rubbing alcohol-based cleaner.
Second, avoid close contact with people who have respiratory infections. Even though they might not appear to have the flu, you should know that the flu virus can spread starting one day before and up to one week after symptoms appear.
Third, do not share drinks or personal items with others, and do not bite your nails or put your hands near your eyes, mouth or nose.
If you get vaccinated this flu season and heed the above advice, you will minimize your risk of getting the flu this season.
Fore more information on the flu, please see our Family Medicine page
