The mere mention of influenza brings chills to some people. It feels like “the worst cold of my life… only worse,” they say, as they moan and groan their way to bed. Hopefully, they stay there long enough to avoid infecting others with this occasionally dangerous and always miserable respiratory ailment. But don’t count on others to keep you healthy during flu season.

Fight Back

Get vaccinated:
The benefits outweigh the risks for most people. It’s best to get vaccinated in October or November, but you can still do it in December or later.

Ask your doctor about antiviral medications:
They may reduce symptoms if taken right away.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle:
Eat right, drink plenty of fluids and get adequate sleep and daily exercise.

Avoid infected people:
This is especially important if you are at high risk of complications.

Face Facts

Some people are at higher risk of complications, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, than others. These include people over 65 years of age, those with certain chronic health conditions and very young children.

While most people recover within a week or two, about 200,000 are hospitalized and 36,000 die each year from flu-related complications. This is why it is highly recommended for individuals in high-risk groups, and those in frequent contact with them, to get immunized each year.

Forget Fiction

Some people would do anything to avoid getting the flu – including not getting a flu shot.

That’s because they have heard that the flu vaccination either doesn’t work or actually gives them the disease. Although some people experience mild flu-like symptoms after immunization, it is by far the best way to prevent the disease. Exceptions include people who are allergic to chicken eggs, have Guillain-Barr´e syndrome or are under the age of six.

Talk to your doctor first, of course, before getting any kind of immunization.