Protect Yourself From The Flu

Most people are already familiar with the stats associated with flu season. Each year, some 30 to 60 million Americans come down with one or another form of influenza virus. Of these, roughly 200,000, mostly children and seniors, require hospitalization. What's more, about 35,000 Americans (again, largely infants and seniors) die of flu-related illnesses. The most unfortunate news is that many of these fatalities are preventable.

The easiest way to fight off the flu is to immunize yourself with a flu shot each and every year. Because the virus is known to mutate from season to season, there's no such thing as a two- or three-year inoculation, no matter what you may hear. Moreover, a stash of last year's vaccinations will do you little good this year, as the virus has already taken its new form. Before you race out to your doctor's office or local Red Cross, however, you may want to reconsider; as you may have heard, an insufficient supply of vaccine this season has left many at-risk individuals such as those with compromised immune systems especially vulnerable to the bug. Regrettably, the allocation of supplies has managed to become a highly politicized issue, as those who are most susceptible to crippling illnesses are unable to protect themselves. To this end, the Centers for Disease Control have urged all relatively healthy Americans to pass up their regular flu shots to help bolster the supply for the neediest citizens.

So, if doing your civic duty means forgoing your flu shot, what can you do to minimize your own risk of contraction? Number one is to keep your hands clean, for this is the easiest way to avoid infecting your mucous membranes. Not only should you wash your hands before meals and after using the bathroom, but every time you shake hands or blow your nose as well. Needless to say, a good scrubbing before and after handling raw food is also imperative, not only for keeping yourself healthy, but your friends, family, and guests too.