By Shannin Prather
October 2023 | 2023 Fall Newsletter
The crisp chill in the air and the crunch of fallen leaves means that autumn has arrived, and winter is on its way. It also means that flu season is coming. However, you can take steps to avoid catching the flu this season.
Flu—the short name for the influenza virus—is an illness that can spread through communities quickly, can be severe, and even life-threatening. Children with certain medical conditions and all older adults are at a higher risk for catching the flu due to weakened immune systems. People with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or immune deficiencies can experience worsened flu symptoms.
The flu is easily passed on from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or touching a surface that has the virus. You can prevent catching the virus by following simple actions like washing your hands often, wearing a face mask when in crowds or doctor’s offices, avoiding being around people who are sick, not sharing utensils or drinking glasses with others, and using antibacterial wipes on items before using them.
Flu symptoms often include fever, headache, tiredness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and body aches. The best way to avoid the virus is to get a flu vaccination. According to the National Council on Aging and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu vaccination is the best way to help protect yourself and others from the flu.
It takes about two weeks for a flu shot to fully take effect to prevent an illness. It is recommended that you get your vaccine as early in the season as possible. If you have not yet had a chance to get your flu shot, it is never too late. Flu season peaks between December and February and may carry over into spring. If the flu virus is in circulation, getting a flu shot may be valuable.
Check with your doctor or insurance carrier to find out what your options are for getting a flu shot. Vaccinations are often free of charge with medical insurance, including Medi-Cal, and may be conveniently available at a nearby pharmacy.
The crisp chill in the air and the crunch of fallen leaves means that autumn has arrived, and winter is on its way. It also means that flu season is coming. However, you can take steps to avoid catching the flu this season.
Flu—the short name for the influenza virus—is an illness that can spread through communities quickly, can be severe, and even life-threatening. Children with certain medical conditions and all older adults are at a higher risk for catching the flu due to weakened immune systems. People with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or immune deficiencies can experience worsened flu symptoms.
The flu is easily passed on from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or touching a surface that has the virus. You can prevent catching the virus by following simple actions like washing your hands often, wearing a face mask when in crowds or doctor’s offices, avoiding being around people who are sick, not sharing utensils or drinking glasses with others, and using antibacterial wipes on items before using them.
Flu symptoms often include fever, headache, tiredness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and body aches. The best way to avoid the virus is to get a flu vaccination. According to the National Council on Aging and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu vaccination is the best way to help protect yourself and others from the flu.
It takes about two weeks for a flu shot to fully take effect to prevent an illness. It is recommended that you get your vaccine as early in the season as possible. If you have not yet had a chance to get your flu shot, it is never too late. Flu season peaks between December and February and may carry over into spring. If the flu virus is in circulation, getting a flu shot may be valuable.
Check with your doctor or insurance carrier to find out what your options are for getting a flu shot. Vaccinations are often free of charge with medical insurance, including Medi-Cal, and may be conveniently available at a nearby pharmacy.