Entry bubble Influenza: Avoid A Long Winter Headache

By: Jake | October 29, 2007 | Category: Health

With the California wildfires and drug resistant staph infections outbreaks in schools dominating the headlines the last few weeks, you may not have noticed it's flu season.
According to the CDC, seasonal influenza infects 5% to 20% of the population every year. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections (this one always gets me), dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. 

The CDC says there are three ways to prevent getting the flu. The most effective prevention is to get a flu vaccine, more commonly known as a flu shot, like I did this week. You can search for flu vaccine providers near you. In order to encourage vaccinations, the CDC has declared November 26-December 2 Flu Vaccination Week with Tuesday the 27th serving as Children’s Flu Vaccination Day. The CDC encourages health care providers to expand hours and offer more flu clinics during this week. In addition to a flu shot you can take anti-viral drugs and practice good health habits.

One thing I recommend in addition to these tips is to keep an eye out on CDC's flu activity and surveillance page.  The CDC partners with local health departments and provides a weekly report and map about flu outbreaks around the country. Also, if you do get sick here's how you can tell if it's a the flu or just a cold.
 

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