By Shannin Prather
October 2015 | 2015 Fall Newsletter
That crisp chill in the air and crunch of fallen leaves under our feet means that autumn has arrived and winter is on its way. It also means that the flu season is upon us. But you can take steps to avoid catching the flu this season.
Influenza–“the flu”–is a contagious illness that can be severe and even life-threatening, especially for older adults. Seniors are at a higher risk for acquiring the flu due to weakened immune systems occurring with age, making it harder to fight diseases. People with chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or immune deficiencies, can experience severe or worsened flu symptoms.
The flu is easily passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing, or touch. You can prevent illness by simple actions: Wash your hands often, avoid people who are sick, do not share utensils or drinking glasses, and use antibacterial wipes to eliminate germs. Flu symptoms often include high fever, headaches, tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and body aches. The best prevention for the illness is a flu vaccine.
It takes approximately two weeks for a flue shot to fully take effect to prevent illness, so it is recommended that you get your vaccine as early in the season as possible. If you haven’t yet had a chance to get your flu shot, it is not too late. Flu season peaks between December and February, an may continue to circulate well into spring. As long as the flu virus is in circulation, getting a flu shot may be valuable.
Check with your doctor or insurance carrier to find out your options for getting a flu shot. Vaccinations are often covered by insurance, and may be free of charge.
Learn more ways to reduce your risk of catching and spreading the flu on the Santa Clara County Public Health Department page: publichealth.santaclaracounty.gov.
That crisp chill in the air and crunch of fallen leaves under our feet means that autumn has arrived and winter is on its way. It also means that the flu season is upon us. But you can take steps to avoid catching the flu this season.
Influenza–“the flu”–is a contagious illness that can be severe and even life-threatening, especially for older adults. Seniors are at a higher risk for acquiring the flu due to weakened immune systems occurring with age, making it harder to fight diseases. People with chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or immune deficiencies, can experience severe or worsened flu symptoms.
The flu is easily passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing, or touch. You can prevent illness by simple actions: Wash your hands often, avoid people who are sick, do not share utensils or drinking glasses, and use antibacterial wipes to eliminate germs. Flu symptoms often include high fever, headaches, tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and body aches. The best prevention for the illness is a flu vaccine.
It takes approximately two weeks for a flue shot to fully take effect to prevent illness, so it is recommended that you get your vaccine as early in the season as possible. If you haven’t yet had a chance to get your flu shot, it is not too late. Flu season peaks between December and February, an may continue to circulate well into spring. As long as the flu virus is in circulation, getting a flu shot may be valuable.
Check with your doctor or insurance carrier to find out your options for getting a flu shot. Vaccinations are often covered by insurance, and may be free of charge.
Learn more ways to reduce your risk of catching and spreading the flu on the Santa Clara County Public Health Department page: publichealth.santaclaracounty.gov.