Avoiding the flu is a top concern nowadays. Healthy habits can help you prevent flu virus from affecting you and your loved ones. You can reduce your risk of being sick by decreasing your risk of the virus getting into your body.
You can also protect your friends, family, and coworkers if you do find yourself unwell. Reducing the spread of germs will cut down on the chances of the flu virus sweeping affecting you. You can also prevent colds from infecting you if you follow the same steps to avoid the flu.
Influenza prevention starts with the vaccine. The flu virus changes and adapts each year, meaning you will need to get a vaccine before each flu season.
The flu is a serious illness that can result in hospitalization and death, especially for at-risk populations. The vaccine can prevent you from getting the flu as well as reduce the associated risks if you do get it.
Vaccines work by creating antibodies in your immune system to fight the virus should it enter your body. The body creates antibodies after getting a small dose of the virus, learning about it, and how to identify and destroy it.
Even though the flu changes each year, the vaccine fights the most popular strains. Three common flu viruses are:
- H1N1
- H3N2
- Influenza B
Those older than 65 years of age, young children, and high-risk populations should consult with their medical professionals about receiving the flu vaccine. These groups are more likely to suffer serious symptoms.
You should get the vaccine before the season starts. It takes about two weeks for your body to produce antibodies from the vaccine. You should make plans to get the vaccine in the fall, at least before the end of October.
If you have allergies, you may need to take a special flu vaccine. For example, most vaccines grow in eggs except Flucelvax Quadrivalent and Flublok Quadrivalent.
You can get the vaccine from your doctor’s office, a local pharmacy, a health clinic, and some schools and workplaces. You should consult with your doctor if you have special dietary restrictions or allergies.
By Admin –
