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Flu is in the Air: Protect yourself
In the US flu is in the air every year. Of course flu occurrence can vary and may occur at different timings every year. It can also differ in duration as well as severity.
This year one is battling against the 2009 HINI flu. Both the H1N1 flu as well as season flu is causing hospitalization and also death. Many are suffering from them. People are much concerned about it. All over the world deaths are occurring on account of 2009 H1N1 flu and many are suffering from other seasonal flus.
Efforts have to be made to protect oneself from these seasonal flus. What does one do?
How to protect yourself from flu?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended a seasonal flu vaccine on a yearly basis to protect oneself from seasonal flu. The flu that is common these days is the 2009 H1N1 flu, although predictions have been made that regular seasonal flus will also cause illnesses as well.
Dr. Anthony Fiore in the Influenza Division of CDC has recommended that people should get themselves vaccinated as it happens to be the best way to protect oneself from influenza.
New Vaccine for 2009 H1N1 flu
This year there is another vaccine on the scene for 2009 H1N1 flu – the monvalnet flu, which is produced in a similar manner as the seasonal flu vaccine. CDC has recommended that a person should be vaccinated by the vaccines every season.
Other precautions to be taken
- One must wash one’s hands with soap as well as water just after coughing and sneezing.
- In case you cannot avail of soap then one can use alcohol-based hand rub.
- Cover the nose or mouth with a tissue while sneezing or coughing.
- Throw tissues into the dustbin after using them.
- Do not go to work or school. It is better to stay at home.
- One must stay at home for 24 hrs after the fever is no more ( do not use fever-reducing medicines).
Anti-viral drugs can help in treating flu
If one is suffering from seasonal flu or 2009 H1N1 flu one can use antiviral drugs. These are of course prescription medicines (they are available in the form of inhaled powder, liquid or pills.) these antiviral drugs are especially meant for those who are seriously affected by flu (hospitalized) as well as those facing other complications such as pregnant women, very young children, or those above 65 years old and those suffering from chronic health complications.
These antiviral drugs must be started within two days of the sickness and must be prescribed by a health care provider.
Source(pdf file) – cdc.gov
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