Fall is right here and so is flu season. Study how one can defend your self and others within the months forward with suggestions from Dr. Sofi Momin, a household medication doctor with Memorial Hermann Medical Group. Taking really helpful steps now may help stop severe problems from sickness later.
Flu vaccines are really helpful for most individuals ages 6 months previous & older.
“For most individuals, 6 months and older, the flu vaccine protects you from catching the flu and prevents it from spreading,” says Dr. Momin. “It additionally helps stop hospitalizations and dying.”
In the US, flu season often peaks between December and February, so the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) recommends that most individuals, ages 6 months and older, obtain an influenza vaccine annually between September and the top of October. This provides the immune system time to totally put together to battle off the virus throughout the peak publicity months.
Dr. Momin warns that there are some individuals who most likely shouldn’t get the annual flu vaccine. These embrace people with extreme, life-threatening allergy symptoms to any ingredient within the vaccine, some with a historical past of Guillain-Barré syndrome and others with uncommon situations. If you’re uncertain what’s finest for you, communicate to a health care provider about your particular well being historical past earlier than getting a flu vaccine.
“Dwelling via the pandemic shifted our focus to COVID-19, however we will’t ignore the truth that the flu nonetheless causes many hospitalizations and deaths annually. The important thing to managing viruses just like the flu and COVID-19 is to make use of out there protecting measures resembling getting vaccines and remaining vigilant to cease the unfold of those viruses.”
– Dr. Sofi Momin, DO
Which flu vaccine is true for seniors?
In line with Dr. Momin, there are several types of flu vaccines permitted for various age teams. For folks 65 years and older, the CDC recommends three particular vaccines—Fluzone, Flublok and Fluad.
Fluzone is a high-dose quadrivalent vaccine, which implies the immune response it creates within the physique is 4 instances stronger than with customary flu vaccines.
Flublok, one other quadrivalent vaccine, is manufactured with out the usage of eggs and is really helpful for individuals who are allergic to eggs.
Fluad is a standard-dose vaccine however is made with an ingredient, referred to as an adjuvant, that helps set off a stronger immune response to the vaccine.
Whereas these three varieties of vaccines are really helpful for folks 65 years and older, if none of those three vaccines is on the market, Dr. Momin says a typical flu vaccine is best than no vaccine in any respect. “Getting a flu vaccine is vital as a result of older persons are at increased threat for extreme sickness and dying,” she mentioned.
Extra suggestions for safeguarding your self and your loved ones.
Along with getting your really helpful vaccines, Dr. Momin suggests methods to guard your self and your loved ones from the flu and different respiratory sicknesses throughout fall and winter months. She advises her sufferers to guide a wholesome life-style by staying bodily lively, getting sufficient sleep, staying nicely hydrated and consuming a nutritious food plan.
Dr. Momin additionally recommends:
Disinfecting steadily touched surfaces at house and work
Staying house when you’re unwell
Limiting contact with others in your family when you’re unwell
Avoiding being round others who’re sick
Masking your mouth and nostril when sneezing and coughing
Washing your palms typically with cleaning soap and water
Preserving from touching your eyes, nostril and mouth as a lot as potential
Persons are inspired to get each the flu vaccine and the newest COVID-19 booster. “Dwelling via the pandemic shifted our focus to COVID-19, however we will’t ignore the truth that the flu nonetheless causes many hospitalizations and deaths annually,” Dr. Momin mentioned. “The important thing to managing viruses just like the flu and COVID-19 is to make use of out there protecting measures resembling getting vaccines and remaining vigilant to cease the unfold of those viruses.”
Click on right here to discover a main care doctor.
