Page 56 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2017

HEALTHY LIVING sniffle
AND TIME FOR SHOTS
eople would be hard pressed not to know about the availability of flu shots. Starting in late summer, we are bombarded by advertisements urging families to get vaccinated. Getting that injection each year can make sense because
coming down with influenza with its accompanying fever, cough, aches and upset stomach is tough. Still, many people continue to have excuses for not getting the vaccine.
Daralyn Boudreaux, director of quality at Singing River Health System (SRHS), has heard all the reasons against the vaccine. However, she strongly promotes people receiving the shot because it beats the odds of contacting influenza and then continuing to spread it.
“There are reports that last year’s vaccine was only 40 percent effective. But if you look at its effectiveness in the population as a whole, it worked,” Boudreaux said. “If you have 100 people in a closed room and immunize them, and they leave, then 40 out of 100 possibly will not spread the flu when they leave the room.”
She added, “Of course, we would like the vaccine to be 100 percent effective, but you have to realize everyone’s immune status is not the same.”
Also, coming up with the formula for the vaccine each year is not an exact science. Private manufacturers make the vaccine with the composition based on what has been reported worldwide. “We know Australia was hit hard, and that might be a prediction that we will have a bad flu season,” Boudreaux said. “But if we get people vaccinated now, we might be ahead of the game.”
Influenza is a respiratory infection that can cause serious complications, particularly to young children, older adults and people with certain medical conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months of age or older be vaccinated annually. The vaccination can reduce the symptoms, doctor’s visits, hospitalizations and missed work and school time.
The CDC reports the peak of the flu season is usually December through February, however cases of flu can occur year round.
story by Susan Ruddiman
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HERE ARE STEPS TO HELP
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM
THE FLU AND OTHER VIRUSES.
Good hygiene is the primary defense against contagious illnesses.
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water.
• Use an alcohol-based sanitizer on your hands if soap and water aren’t available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth whenever possible.
• Avoid crowds when the flu is most prevalent.
• Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, drink plenty of fluids, eat a nutritious diet and manage your stress.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org