The Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists are announcing a red-alert-warning that flu season 2014-2015 is on its way! No one likes to end up in the emergency room or give up days of work due to the flu. Worse yet, in spite of modern medicine the flu, if neglected, can still be a killer disease.
Experts tell us, “As flu season approaches, the best way to stay healthy and avoid infection is to get a flu shot and a checkup, according to an infectious disease specialist.”
It’s true. The best way to avoid the flu is just to get the flu shot. An easy way to remember make the time to do get your flu shot is to take it at your regular check-up, if you have scheduled one for this time of year. We think of big box pharmacies and drug stores for our flu shots, or we get them at our place of work, but the truth is you can also get them from your doctor’s office.
Dr. Jorge Parada, medical director of infection prevention and control for the Loyola University Health System, said, “Retail stores may provide flu shots for their customers, but they can’t dole out medical advice.” He added, “At the doctor’s office, the focus is on you and what is going on with your health.”
The Trick Is In The Timing!
Officially, Flu season in the United States starts Oct. 1 and continues until March 31, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Parada stated, “Getting the flu shot in October gives you the best chance of avoiding the flu this year.”
Guess what? it’s almost October, so the Florida Lung, Asthma, and Sleep Specialists hope you make a date to get your flu shot, and prioritize it on your calendar.
Six FLASS Fast Flu Facts for 2014-2015
1. If you are over six months old, the CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine “as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease.”
2. Yes, there are several different flu viruses, but the flu vaccine is created to protect against the main viruses that will make people sick this season.
3. We suggest you make certain you and your family are vaccinated as soon as the flu vaccine is available in your area.
4. It is simple statistics: The more people who are vaccinated, the fewer people will get sick, and the Center for Disease Control, as well as your friends at FLASS want as many people as possible to stay healthy and protected as we begin this critical time of year.
5. This year doctors and staff at FLASS are doing our best to get the word out so that our friends, patients, and families can avoid the expensive price-tags that come with the flu: special doctors’ visits, hospitalization, missed days of employment, emergency room visits, and school difficulties.
6. The Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists send out a special warning to high risk people. Who are they? The High Risk Group includes:
A. young children and pregnant women,
B. people with chronic health conditions like asthma!
C. The Group also includes you if you have diabetes or heart and lung disease.
D. You must be careful if you are 65 years old and older, and as America ages, this is a larger and larger group at risk for serious flu and its complications.
E. Here is a special group, you might not have considered: health care workers. (“Physician, heal thyself,” as the old saying goes!)
Learn More Ways Combat the Flu! (By all means, share this list with your children and Grandchildren!)
Although the flu shot is your primary weapon in the battle against the flu, you have other ammunition in your arsenal. Below is a short list of your weapons!
1. If your friend or a family member is sick, we know you want to show compassion, but remember you can not run errands of mercy if you get sick. Friends might be better served will phone calls or cards, not hugs. You must try to avoid close contact people who have the flu.
2. Likewise, when you get a flu-like illness, we hope you remain at home stay home for 24 hours after your fever breaks. You have an obligation to do your part in reference to number one, above! Try not to infect other people.
3. You learned this one in pre-school! “Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.”
4. Scrub up: Keep your hands washed, and use an alcohol based hand cleaner when you can not get to soap and water!
5. Here’s a little rule that gets easily lost: As a matter of self-discipline, try not to touch your own eyes, nose or mouth. Do you have a habit of wiping your brow, leaning your face on your palm, scratching your nose or sweeping your hand from cheek to hair? Germs spread through these little subconscious mannerisms.
6. Disinfect everyday objects that you suspect might be infested with all kinds of germs: innocent objects may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
You probably know that there are now good antiviral drugs can that help you if you contract the flu. They work differently from antibiotics, and they are prescription. These medicines are designed to make your sickness take milder form and prevent serious flu complications.
If you are in a high risk group, the use of such antiviral medicines within the first 48 hours of getting sick is your best course of action. Of course, the medicines can still help at a later time.
Fall is a beautiful time in Florida, and we want you to enjoy it! Here in Orlando, our autumn wishes at the Florida Lung, Asthma, and Sleep Specialists are for you to breathe deep, get your flu shots, stay active, and stay well!