The flu
By Marcos Otero
Oh Lord! How fast this year has gone! Fall is here and with it comes the season of colds and flu. That means it’s time to reinforce preventive measures. The Flu (Influenza) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and can cause death. The seasonal flu kills about 20,000 people each year. Certain people are at higher risk of serious complications if they contract the flu. This includes the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot every year.
The symptoms are very common and similar in both the flu and common colds. Flu like colds are easily transmitted through coughing and sneezing, and surface contact. You may be able to spread the flu before you even know you are sick. You can spread a day before you have symptoms and up to seven days after getting sick. Symptoms of flu include some or all of the following:
· Fever
· Shaking chills
· Sore throat
· Runny nose or congestion
· Muscle and body aches
· Fatigue
FLU PREVENTION: Get vaccinated!
The vaccine should be available in late September. Get the vaccine as soon as it is available. But you can vaccinate during the season and even be protective. The flu season begins in October, but the high peaks are in January or later. It takes about two weeks after vaccination to be effective. Everyone over six months old should be vaccinated. Other ways to prevent the spread:
· Wash hands frequently.
· Cover your nose and mouth to cough or sneeze.
· Stay home if you have the flu.
Let’s protect our families. GET VACCINATED!
