Fight the Flu with Planning and Prevention

December and January are often the busiest time of year for many of us. During busy times, it’s important to keep good health at the forefront of your mind. The flu season is upon us and along with it the question of whether or not to get the flu shot. If you’ve struggled and still haven’t arrived at the point of decision, the quick answer is “no.”

Influenza

There are various strains of constantly-changing influenza that exist in any given community each year. The vaccine effectiveness, or VE, is determined by how well-matched the inactive viruses in the shot received are to the strains you come in contact with. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Ga. states in its report for the 2010-2011 flu season “it’s not possible to predict with certainty which flu viruses will predominate during any given season.” The vaccine is produced months in advance to be available for the winter season, and therefore, there’s no guarantee the shot you receive will achieve the desired 70-90% VE for healthy adults.

Medical Field Personnel

The number of medical employees who receive the flu shot is astonishingly low. Since 2006 studies show only 40% of medical-field personnel get vaccinated each year. The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases reports a slightly higher number at 43% of those working in medical professions receiving the shot with 2% refusing the vaccine. Medical professionals give reasons such as being too busy, fear of needles and inconvenience as reasons for not being vaccinated. The majority of medical professionals don’t believe the flu shot is necessary, or even worth the approximately 10 minutes it takes to receive one. In that case, those of you who are rarely in contact with large numbers of sick people shouldn’t bother with it either.

Educators and Children

As a teacher, I’ve gotten the flu vaccine three times. These were instances when it was offered free of charge at my school in a joint effort between my district and health insurance provider. The years they’re not hand-delivered to me, I choose not to be vaccinated because I rarely get sick. I’ve learned over the years that when I get sick it’s usually during a time when I’m exhausted, highly stressed, eating junk food, and not drinking enough water.

It’s recommended that children 6 months to 18 years who are on long-term aspirin treatment get the flu shot. This doesn’t apply to most children so most don’t need the vaccine. As a mother, I have never gotten my 9-year-old son the flu shot. Again, he rarely gets sick. He gets sick once a year within the first week of school, which is an exhausting time, and he’s adjusting to the reinstatement of a structured schedule.

Prevention

You can do your part to stay healthy. To prevent the flu, be sure to follow those old adages:
•    Eat right. Eat a balanced, healthy diet, full of fruits and vegetables and low in fat. Drink half your weight in ounces of water throughout the day.
•    Get plenty of rest. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep every night. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same times each day.
•    Exercise. Staying fit will help your body to fight sickness, and help to ready your body for sleep.
•    Wash your hands. Keep your hands clean by washing often with soap and warm water. Rub your hands together while they’re soapy for at least 30 seconds, making sure to get in between the fingers. Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet, and open the bathroom door upon exiting.
•    Cover your mouth. Cough into your elbow not into your hand, and be sure to wash after touching your face or eyes.

A conscientious effort to maintain good health will allow you to welcome the new year, and see you through flu season and beyond.

Zari Banks is a guest blogger for An Apple a Day and a writer on becoming a phlebotomist for the Guide to Health Education.