Stay
Healthy This Winter
Tips to Resist the Common Cold
Eat
a nutritious, well-balanced diet.
Wash
hands often.
Keep
hands away from your nose and eyes.
Use
disposable facial tissues and dispose of them
promptly.
Avoid
crowds.
Do
not use share toothpaste, dishes, eating utensils,
or towels with other family members.
Drink
six to eight glasses of fluids daily.
Get
plenty of rest.
Stop
smoking.
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THE
FLU VACCINATION
Getting
a flu shot may seem like a chore and a small discomfort
but getting a flu shot can help you stay healthy this winter.
And if you have a serious illness, a flu shot can save your life.
Flu shots save lives
According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USA), flu can
be a serious disease. In some cases, it can lead to pneumonia
and death. Flu causes most people to be ill for only a few days.
When youre sick with the flu, it can seem like a lot longer,
though. A few people have a much more serious illness and may
need to be hospitalized. Thousands of people die each year from
flu-related illnesses. Most deaths caused by flu are in elderly
people. Flu affects people who are at high risk more severely.
One risk factor is being over 65. Some of the other factors are:
- Residents
of long-term care facilities housing people with chronic medical
conditions
- People
who are less able to fight infections because of diseases such
as diabetes, heart disease, lung problems, etc.
- Anyone
who has close contact with people who are at risk for getting
the flu
If
you are over 65 and one of the other risk factors applies as well,
you run a greater chance of going to the hospital or dying if
you get flu.
Get your flu shot in the Autumn
Flu
season is traditionally counted from the first of October through
the end of March. The best time to get the flu vaccine is in September,
when the vaccine is usually available. Immunity from the flu shot
only lasts about a year and flu viruses change over time so last
years vaccine doesnt apply to the current year. A
good way to remember to get an annual flu shot is to associate
it with your grandchildren going back to school in September.
When they go back each Autumn, its time for you to get a
shot.
If you are allergic to eggs, be sure to tell your doctor before
getting the shot. Flu vaccine is grown in egg white, so the
shot can make you ill if you have this allergy. This is the only
caution to getting the flu vaccine.
A flu shot will not give you the flu
People
may think that a flu vaccine will give you the flu. If you do
get the flu shortly after receiving the vaccine, it is because
of the time of the year, not because the vaccine caused it. The
only significant side affect of the flu vaccine is a sore arm.
Some people may also have an elevated temperature for a few days.
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