the-flu

 

Flu season has started. Last week I got my annual flu shot. Because I take a lot of immune suppressant medications I have to get a flu shot every year. I thought I would take this opportunity to talk about protecting yourself during flu season. And the importance of getting a flu shot every year.

Flu season begins in October and ends in April or May. Influenza (flu) is a contagious disease that spreads around the United States every single year. This virus is genuinely spread through sneezing, coughing, and close contact.

Flu symptoms:

Fever

Chills

Sore throat

Muscle aches

Fatigue

Cough

Headache

Runny or stuffy nose

Influenza often times leads to pneumonia and blood infections. In fact, thousands of people die every year from the flu. A lot more are hospitalized. For those of us who have a chronic condition that require us to take immune suppressant medications it is important that we get a flu shot.  This protects us from getting the flue. If I was to get the flu it would make my breathing a lot worse and I would end up in the hospital. Who wants that? I know I don’t.

Those who should get a flu shot:

Infants

Those 65 or older

Pregnant women

Those with asthma

Those with emphysema

Those with other lung issues

Those with diabetes

Those who have had a stroke

Those with any neurologic issues

Those with heart disease

Those who have cancer or had cancer

Those with kidney issues

Those with liver issues

Those who have HIV or Aids

Those who take medications that suppressed the immune system

Those who are obese

There are things we can do to protect ourselves from getting the flu along with the flu shot. It’s important during this time of year to be watchful and protect yourself.

Ways to protect yourself that go along with the flu shot:

Wash your hands

Stay away from those who are sick

Stay home if you are sick

Take antiviral medications

Here are some links:

CDC

WebMd

UW Health

 

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