I have been in denial about the fact that anotherviruses will soon be upon us. The flu usually ramps up in October in Texas, New Mexico, Delaware and Georgia.
The Southern Hemisphere, which is finishing up its flu season, has seen a lot of flu. It is going to be a worse year than it has been in the past, according to a doctor at a hospital.
Covid restrictions, which can prevent the spread of the flu, have loosened and people may travel more this fall and winter than they did in the past. Many people in the US may be more susceptible to the flu this year because their immune systems haven’t been exposed to it in a while.
Here are some things you can do to remain healthy.
It is not yet known how effective the flu vaccine will be this year, according to Dr. Jeff Kwong, an infectious disease physician with the University of Toronto. Even if the vaccine doesn’t work against the flu, it still protects people against serious illness.
The flu vaccine reduced the risk of hospitalization in people between the ages of 18 and 64 by 51 percent, and in adults 65 and older by 37 percent. Flu vaccine reduced the chance of flu-related hospitalization by 41 percent and the risk of flu-related emergency room visits by 51 percent when compared to the 2014–2018.
If you have a child who is 2 years old or older, you should get the vaccine because it doesn’t require a needle stick and should work just as well as the shot. She said that children between 6 months and 8 years old who are getting the flu vaccine for the first time, or who have only received one flu vaccine dose, should get two doses of the flu vaccine.
Even if you don’t think you’ll get the flu, you should still get the vaccine.
The White House encouraged those who are eligible to get the new Covid-19 booster to get their flu shot. He said that you can get both shots at the same time. I think it is a good idea.
According to experts, it’s safe to get your Covid booster and flu shot at the same time, and that the convenience of getting them together may help to keep the population healthy. She said that people who get the vaccines at the same time could experience more side effects, such as sore arms, headaches and fatigue.
People who are pregnant, 65 or older, or have a condition like asthma, heart disease or diabetes should get their flu vaccine as soon as possible, according to Dr. Kwong. People living in parts of the United States that already have moderate or high flu activity should get vaccinations as soon as possible. You can see what flu activity is like in your area by scrolling down to the map.
If you live in a place where flu activity is low and you like to maximize your flu protection, you should wait another month or two, according to the experts I spoke with. Dr. Nuzzo said she usually gets her flu shot in October.
Emily Martin is an infectious disease epidemiologist at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
After four flu seasons, the ability of the flu shot to protect against flu-related hospitalizations dropped by 8 to 9 percent each month. The odds of catching the flu went up after the vaccine was given. The flu was spreading in March, April and June in the U.S., possibly because people were ramping up travel. If you get your flu vaccine in August or September, you might not be protected against the flu during the spring and early summer months.
The vaccine may protect you after seven or eight months. If you got your vaccine, you don’t need to worry. She said that getting the vaccine early is better than not getting it at all.
If the flu isn’t spreading where you live, experts recommend wearing a mask indoors. Dr. Martin said that masks help reduce the spread of respiratory Viruses, not just Flu. It was recommended by Dr. Kwong to wear high-quality, well-fitting masks. He said that surgical masks are more protective than cloth masks, but that is not true.
You can reduce your risk of getting sick by washing your hands regularly. It’s possible for a sick person to leave a Viruses on doorknobs, handles, and other commonly touched surfaces which can transfer to your hands and mouth.
If you are positive for Covid-19, you should ask your doctor if you have the flu. She said it may be worthwhile to get a flu test at the doctor if you are diagnosed within the first few days of symptoms.
Labcorp sells a testing kit that will be sent to you for home collection, but rapid tests that can distinguish between Covid-19, flu and other viral infections aren’t yet available for home use. They can test for Covid-19 if you send it back to their lab. Results come back in a couple of days.
If you feel unwell, it’s important to stay home. She said to limit your activities if you have a nose running and you’re coughing.
The same steps we have taken to prevent Covid-19 will prevent the spread of the flu. It is possible to reduce your risk of the flu by getting a vaccine, wearing a mask and washing your hands.
Alternative medicine techniques such as body scrapers and dry brushing are designed to improve the circulation of a watery fluid. Most people don’t need research on the effects of these approaches, but if they make you happy, why not try them?
Lymphatic health is all the rage.
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There is a way to avoid hurting yourself at the gym.
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The weekly health quiz is included.
Let the discussion continue. You can follow me on social media or write to me.
Stay well.