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The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is fast and easy to get a flu shot, and experts strongly recommend it for everyone over the age of 50.
The CDC estimates that an average of 36,000 people die each year from seasonal influenza in the United States. Those over the age of 65 with health problems are usually at the greatest risk. While the majority of flu cases are a mere inconvenience for the sufferer, it’s important to keep in mind the potential severity of the flu.
Some people mistakenly believe that they can get the flu from a flu shot. However, this is untrue; the contents in the vaccine cannot give you the flu.
So, be sure to get a flu shot to protect yourself this flu season, and follow our other tips below for reducing the spread of flu.
A regular flu shot will not protect you from the “swine flu” virus. To protect against the “swine flu” a different vaccine is required.
Reduce the Spread of Flu
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Wash your hands frequently to remove germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, which can allow germs to enter your body.
- Get a sufficient amount of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, eat nutritious food, and drink plenty of fluids.
Facts About Swine Flu
- According to the CDC, the “swine flu” vaccine (novel H1N1 virus) is expected to be available by this fall.
- It’s not possible to get swine flu from eating pork.
- The most severe outcomes are among people with underlying health problems that are associated with a high risk of flu complications.
- A regular flu shot will not protect you from the “swine flu” virus. To protect against the “swine flu” a different vaccine is required.
- The same preventive measures that reduce the spread of regular flu are recommended for preventing swine flu.
- As of July, regular flu had caused far more deaths in 2009 in the United States than swine flu.
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