Preventing the flu

Epidemiology Corner

October 22, 2004

Preventing the flu

The CDC recently announced a flu vaccine shortage for the 2004-2005 flu season. The flu season typically lasts from November to March though it may begin earlier. Because of the vaccine shortage, medical providers are asked not to give, and members of the public are asked NOT to get, the flu vaccine UNLESS they are in one of the following high risk groups.

High risk groups:

Adults 65 years and older
Children between 6 and 23 months
Anyone with a chronic health condition such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, cancer, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, etc
Women who will be pregnant during flu season
Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities
Children on chronic aspirin therapy
Healthcare workers involved in direct patient care
Out of home caregivers
Household contacts of children under 6 months old

Even without getting the flu vaccine, there are several things you can do to reduce your chance of getting sick this season. Good healthy habits like maintaining a nutritious diet, getting plenty of rest and exercising regularly can always help your body fight off many infections including the flu. The best thing you can do to prevent illness is to wash your hands. The flu is spread from person to person in crowds through aerosolized droplets created by coughing or sneezing. The flu can also be spread through contact with items contaminated by droplets. For example, if someone with the flu coughed into his/her hands and then touched a doorknob -- the doorknob could become contaminated. If a healthy person then touched the doorknob and later rubbed his/her nose with the contaminated hand he/she could be exposed to the flu virus.

Tips for preventing the flu

Wash your hands throughout the day. An alcohol-based hand gel can be used in addition to frequent hand washing.
Try not to touch or rub your nose, month or eyes.
Stay away from crowds whenever possible. In particular, don’t take people with chronic health conditions or young children to crowded places during flu season, if it can be avoided.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Use a tissue when possible. If no tissue is available you can cough into the inside of your elbow. Always wash your hands afterwards.
Avoid close contact such as hugging, kissing, holding anyone who has recently had a cold or the flu.

If you have any symptoms of the flu including fever, headache, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches, try to avoid going to public places and avoid contact with children or the elderly.

If you are a nursing mother and have had flu-like symptoms, the following steps should be taken whenever breast feeding or handling your baby:

Wear a surgical mask (may be purchased from a drugstore).
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry them with a clean towel or paper towels.
Leave your breasts covered until after you put on the mask and wash your hands.
Don’t remove the mask until you are done and have put the baby down.

For more information visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/. Have a healthy holiday season!