Photo courtesy HealthyBlackMen.org
By LaKenya McClough, MPH
No one wants to get the flu! And with the increase in flu illnesses being reported across the country, it may be time to check our health habits and consider a few ways to protect ourselves from getting or spreading the flu!
According to the Huffington Post and the California Department of Public Health, reported cases of the flu virus are up in 47 states, including California. But, Dr. Ronald Chapman, California State Health Officer says, “it is not an unexpected increase, and it isn’t too late to get the flu vaccine.”
So, how bad is it? Well, that remains to be seen. Although cases of the flu are a bit higher than normal for this time of year, many experts say the flu may have already peaked in a few states. According to the CDPH, normal peak season for the flu in California occurs in late February or March. Hence, it’s too early to tell whether this year’s occurrence of the flu will end up being a “bad season.”
Health officials around the country recommend this year’s flu vaccine as a viable option for protecting yourself from the flu. Health experts say this year’s flu vaccine is pretty well matched to the circulating strains popping up around the country. 135 million doses have been produced for the year and 128 million have already been distributed. The CDC has created a handy flu shot locator that helps find a vaccine availability near you. (HealthBlackmen.org)
Dr. Chapman maintains that “the best defense against the flu is getting vaccinated, and has also advised that, “there is no shortage of the flu vaccine in California.” It is recommended that everyone 6-months old and older, especially those at highest risk for contracting the flu, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with other health conditions consider the flu vaccine. It’s important to consult your physician or other healthcare professional to determine whether the flu vaccine is right for you.
In addition to getting vaccinated, good hand washing with warm soap and water along with other normal health etiquettes can be great defenses for protecting yourself from the flu. Here are some helpful tips for how to protect yourself:
- While sick, limit contact with others
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based rub
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Contact the California Health Department or visit www.cdph.ca.gov for more information.
Self-Check: Do I have a cold or the flu?
It can be difficult to determine for yourself whether you actually have a cold or the flu. The symptoms for which can be similar. Cold symptoms include stuffy or runny nose, sore throat and sneezing. Flu usually involves fever, along with chills, headache and moderate-to-severe body aches and tiredness, and cough. “Flu symptoms are usually more severe than cold symptoms and come on quickly.” To learn more about the differences between cold and flu symptoms, click here.
Visit www.HealthTalk360.com for more health tips.
