By Amir Mohammad
Your Health
Dr. Amir Mohammad
It is not too late to receive the influenza vaccine. By now you must have heard via multiple news channels and outlets about the current flu season. The seasonal flu activity generally begins as early as October or November and can continue through late May.
In Connecticut, the Department of Public Health uses multiple surveillance systems to monitor circulating influenza viruses. As of this writing, the DPH reported 43 influenza-related hospitalizations and the first influenza deaths of the 2019-2020 season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate during the 2017-2018 season there were total of 79,000 influenza-associated deaths reported. These numbers are alarming, as complications due to influenza can be fatal.
The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated every year. The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the most effective strategy in protecting against influenza and its serious complications.
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, especially among young children, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease. It is also recommended that people 65 years and older get a flu shot instead of a nasal spray vaccine.
The CDC also recommends the following preventive actions to stop the spread of this contagious virus.
– Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
– If you are sick, stay at home and avoid contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
– If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
– Always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
– Frequently wash your hands with water, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
– Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like flu.
To receive the flu vaccination, contact your regular heath care provider or pharmacy. You can also find a flu clinic near you by visiting the HealthMap Vaccine Finder at vaccinefinder.org.
For more information on influenza and vaccination, visit the CDC website at cdc.gov/flu.
Dr. Amir Mohammad is a practicing internist and preventive medicine physician. He greatly enjoys teaching and doing public health work. He is serving as the Director of Health for the Town of Orange.