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Arm Yourself With These Helpful Tips To Combat The Early Start To Flu Season

December 5, 2017

Flu season is upon us and in the spirit of National Hand Washing Awareness Week; we’ve put together a few tips on flu prevention.

Should I get vaccinated?

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), all healthy people aged 6 months and up should be vaccinated.

Who should not get vaccinated?

  • Children under the age of 6 months
  • Those who have ever had a severe reaction to a previous flu shot
  • Anyone with an allergic reaction to eggs

When should I get my flu shot?

Typically the best time to get the vaccine is in October and November, before flu season peaks. But it’s never too late to protect yourself; many pharmacies offer flu shot clinics, making it convenient for your busy schedule!

Is it true that you can get the flu from the flu shot?

The viruses that make up the shot are inactive, however you can experience a few side effects such as, redness, soreness, swelling at the injection site, or a low fever and achiness.

Who’s at the greatest risk this flu season?

Though we are all susceptible, young children, pregnant women, elderly, and people with chronic health conditions are at the greatest risk.

Is it a cold or the flu?

The symptoms of the common cold and the flu are very similar, if you are unsure if it is the cold or flu, you should contact your doctor with any concerns.

COLD SYMPTOMS FLU SYMPTOMS
Onset Of Symptoms Is Slow Onset Of Symptoms Is Sudden
No Or Low Fever High Fever
Feeling Fatigued Is Mild Feeling Fatigued Is Extreme
Runny Or Stuffy Nose, Severe Cough Dry Cough
No Achiness And No Headache Achy Muscles And Headache
No Chills Chills

Did You Know?

  • The flu virus can survive up to 72 hours on surfaces like doorknobs and desks
  • Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria, which mean they are not effective against the flu virus
  • Nearly 22 million missed school days are due to the flu
  • You can spread the flu before you even know you are sick
  • It is possible to infect others 5-7 days after symptoms have developed

Prevention:

  • The first step is vaccination
  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Disinfect common surfaces:
    • Toys
    • Handles
    • Phones
    • Kitchen
    • Bathroom
    • TV Remote
  • Cough into your elbow, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Stay hydrated

If you are sick, the best way to stop the spread of the virus is to stay home and rest up.

 


Virginia Spine Institute’s reputation is unmatched as a world-renowned luxury destination in spinal healthcare, dedicated to providing an elevated level of concierge care for those suffering from neck and back conditions. For three decades, their proven methods have led them to dramatically improving the quality of life for over 100,000 patients, from 32 countries.

 

People seek care from Virginia Spine Institute because of their elite team of board-certified spine-specialized physicians offering unique approaches to safe and effective back and neck pain relief. As one of the few centers that begin treatment with non-surgical options before recommending surgery, 90% of their patients get better without spine surgery. Through a comprehensive model, Virginia Spine Institute is able to offer regenerative medicine, non-operative treatments, minimally-invasive spine surgery, and physical therapy through their team of spine specialists.

 

The team’s dedication to detail and patient success is a shining light in the field of spinal healthcare. As pioneers and leaders in this field, they have also accomplished many of the world’s firsts in spine surgery by using modern treatments and cutting-edge technology not offered anywhere else.

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