The Flu Virus Prevention

Quick Tip - Prevent The Flu Virus  

What is the Flu Virus?

The Flu Virus is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.

Symptoms of The Flu Virus can include any or all of the following:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Body aches
• Runny nose and/or congestion
• Tiredness

The symptoms, although uncomfortable, are generally not dangerous. The Flu virus does weaken the immune system, leaving it vulnerable to more serious infections.  

High-risk individuals with medical conditions - asthma, diabetes, chronic lung disease, pregnant women, or persons 65 years and older are more susceptible to serious complications, such as:

• Bacteria pneumonia
• Dehydration
• Sinus problems and ear infections (primarily in children)
• Worsening of preexisting conditions, such as asthma or diabetes

       Flu prevention:

  

The seasonal Flu Vaccine protects against three influenza viruses:

• Influenza B Viruses
• Influenza A (H1N1) Viruses
• Influenza A (H3N2) Viruses

                                                    

    The Nasal-Spray Flu (LAIV- Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine) -  a vaccine made with live, weakened Flu Viruses that is given as a nasal spray.

• Approved for the use in healthy people 2 through 49 years of age who are not pregnant. 

Nasal spray side effects:

• Runny nose
• Wheezing
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Muscle aches
• Fever

   The Flu Shot Vaccine - an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm.

 Three different types of Flu Shot Vaccines:

• Regular flu shot approved for people ages 6 months and older.
• High-dose flu shot approved for people 65 and older.
• Intradermal flu shot approved for people 18 to 64 years of age.

Flu Shot Vaccine side effects:

• Soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given
• Fever (low grade)
• Aches

  These symptoms may begin soon after the shot and usually last 1 to 2 days.

 Fluzone Intradermal (short- needle Flu Shot) 

FYI! It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection.

The earlier you are vaccinated the safer you will be.

   

Extra Flu Virus Facts!

The Flu is not the same as a cold, although they share many of the same symptoms. 

The cold is caused by a different virus, and it tends to have milder symptoms than the flu.

Colds are also less likely to cause serious complications.

Information is Power!

Stay healthy this Winter
Eat your fresh fruits, vegetables (vitamin D & K), whole grains, and vitamin C to strengthen your immune system. 

For more information go to www.WebMD.com, www.emedtv.com, or www.livestrong.com



Live well

Doc V