Flu & Flu Shots Information:

Colds & Flu:

• are caused by viruses
• usually spread from one person to another
  • through the air,
  • direct contact
  • or handling unclean objects.
• Precautions include
  • frequent hand washing,
  • not sharing utensils, glasses or dishes, and
  • staying away from crowded areas.
• Practice good health habits!
• Colds:    usually come on gradually with symptoms of sneezing, coughing, runny nose and/or sore throat, and may include headache &/or low grade fever. They can be treated with OTC (over the counter) products such analgesics, decongestants, cough medication, etc. If symptoms persist or worsen, see you physician.

• Influenza:    The flu presents with similar symptoms, only worse and faster, and can include fever to 103 degrees, cough, congestion, chills, fatigue & weakness. Winter flu outbreaks are caused by different viruses each year. The flu claims approximately 36,000 lives annually, mostly over 65 years old.

  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends flu shots for everyone 50 and over, health workers, caregivers and individuals who are pregnant, have a chronic lung or heart problem, have asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, or bleeding or immune system problems.

  If you are at risk, be sure to get a flu shot between now and early December. Contact your physician, look in your local newspaper for information, contact your local Senior Center, call the CDC @ 800 232-2522 or go to www.vaccines.ashastd.org.

  New scientific studies indicate that there are additional benefits of decreasing exacerbations of heart disease and stroke. Also, there is a nasal spray, Flu Mist, for healthy people age 5 to 49.