While we all pretty much know the basics about the cold and flu and what we can do to prevent it, and this year it is especially important to keep all of that in mind. Why you say? Because according to the Huffinton Post: Huffpost Healthy Living Online, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Friday [1/18/13] that "the country is facing a particularly bad flu season - one that struck early and is likely to last for several more weeks," according to CDC director Dr. Tom Friedman, "the disease is now widespread in 47 states, up from 41 last week."
Now, while to many
this information may sound a little scary, it is important to remember these
numbers include both sever and mild cases of the flu. So don’t fret dear
readers! There are many ways in which you can protect yourself from catching
the flu. We all know the drill: wash our hands, cover our nose/mouth with a
sleeve or, better yet, a tissue when we cough or sneeze, and of course get our
flu shot. Unfortunately, the last one is often ignored.
It is a well known
fact that the Flu vaccination can help prevent and or lessen the effects of the
Flu. Everyone is recommended to get the shot, but it is very important for
young children (over the age of 6 months) and the elderly to get one, along
with those who have a compromised immune system. These are only some of those
that are at the highest risk of infection, others can still be easily infected
including those that spend a lot of time in classrooms and offices, along with
those such as college students that room together in close quarters. According
to Bill Hanage, an epidemiologist at the Harvard School of Public Health, “a
flu season’s severity boils down to the susceptibility of the population and
the types of viruses that are going around” (The Huffington Post: Huffpost
Healthy Living Online).
It is important to
get a flu vaccination every year because the “strands” or types of viruses have
a tendency of changing from year to year. So with each change, there is a
change in the vaccine to help cover a wider variety of strands.
With news of this
year’s outbreak being one of the worst in 10 years spreading across the nation,
it is no surprise that people are scrambling around to try and find places that
are still providing the vaccine. One pharmacist, Keila Mena, was quoted saying
that "No one wanted shots at the beginning of the season. We were
basically begging people" (The Huffington Post: Huffpost Healthy Living
Online). Flu vaccinations generally start circulating around the month of
October, so why is there always a scramble once the flu actually starts coming
around?
There are the
common reasons as to why people wait: They don’t like shots, or they are too
busy to stop and get one, or the very lame excuse that ‘I never get sick!’ But when it comes down to it, there isn’t a
person alive that is 100% immune to everything. Yes, using proper hand washing
techniques and covering your nose and/or mouth when coughing/sneezing can help
prevent the spread of these viruses, but getting vaccinated is still the number
one recommendation for everyone.
Now, while a lot of
this may, again, seem a little scary to some: I urge you not to freak out!
Worrying is only going to cause unnecessary stress, which can then lead to
getting sick easier. All you need to do is make sure you are as prepared as you
can be. Follow these nice easy steps, and you can help keep yourself protected
on a daily basis:
Get the Shot!
Check with Health
Service to see if they have any vaccinations available! They run many flu
clinics throughout the fall semester that provide free shots for students and
staff. But if you have missed those windows of opportunity, it doesn’t hurt to
call and ask to see what is available! If they don’t have any in stock, they
may be able to point you in the right direction as to where you may be able to
find someone who does!
Yes, Washing
your Hands is a Must!
I know we hear it
all the time, but it’s true! Washing your hands often will help protect you
from germs. Wash your hands for at least 30 seconds to effectively kill germs.
You can measure the time by singing the "Happy Birthday" song twice.
When you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
Cover your
Coughs & Sneezes!
It is common
courtesy… Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing/sneezing can
help prevent those around you from getting sick. It is also important to avoid
touching your eyes, nose, and mouth because it makes it easier for germs to
travel after you’ve touched a possibly contaminated surface. ICK!
Keep Shared Surfaces
Clean!
Office equipment, handrails,
desks… They all are used by several people throughout the day. So it is
important to keep these shared areas cleaned and disinfected more often than
other times of the year.
Most
Importantly: Listen to your Body
You know yourself
better than anyone else. If you aren’t feeling 100% then something is up.
Remember to drink plenty of fluids (at least 8 glasses of water a day), get
enough sleep, and avoid close contact with those who may be sick and/or if you
are sick. Plenty of rest is needed in order to fight any bug, so make it a
priority!
Getting the right
information is important, especially when it comes to keeping yourself and
others around you healthy. For more information about colds and the flu,
contact the Health Service at (217)581-3013 or check out the HERC’s Cold and
Flu Page online at: http://eiu.edu/herc/coldfluprevention.php
Resources:
“Flu Outbreak 2013:
Many Americans Caught Off-Guard; CDC Unveils Updated Numbers” by Lynne Peeples
for the Huffington Post: Huffpost Healthy Living Online. Posted on 01/11/2013 at:
