Be Prepared for Flu Season 2009

Be Prepared for Flu Season 2009

BBB Offers Tips for Staying Flu-Free and Avoiding Unnecessary Expenses

Austin, TX – This year’s flu season is generating considerable attention due to the addition of H1N1 or “swine flu” to the normal seasonal flu concerns. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most flu seasons peak in January, but outbreaks can begin to occur as early as October. This year, the CDC says consumers will need a separate vaccination for “swine flu” which should be available in October.

“It’s important to get plenty of information on what is available and who should get vaccinated since the flu shot changes from year to year,” said Carrie A. Hurt, President and CEO of BBB serving Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas. “Consumers need to plan ahead and take preventive measures to stay healthy during this flu season.”

Each year, the vaccine for seasonal flu changes based on estimations by scientists as to which three strains of the flu virus will be most active. The flu shot consumers receive contains a killed version of the strains while the nasal spray vaccine has weakened strains. According to the CDC, it takes about two weeks for someone to build up the antibodies to protect against the flu. The CDC advises consumers to start receiving seasonal flu vaccines as soon as they become available.

BBB offers the following tips for getting vaccinated this year and staying flu-free:

Don’t skip the shot: The most reliable way to prevent contracting the flu virus is to get vaccinated each year. In general, anyone age 6 months or older who wants to reduce their chances of getting influenza can get vaccinated. (The American Lung Association provides recommendations on who should not get a flu shot here). Flu shots may be available through your child’s school or your place of work. Make sure to check the price first because it could be cheaper to get vaccinated through your health care provider.  If the flu vaccine is not readily available to you or you don’t have health insurance, you can use the American Lung Association’s flu clinic locator site here.

Plan ahead: Call the clinic before you go to make sure they currently have a supply of the vaccine as this can change daily. Also, verify that the person administering is certified to do so, as some flu clinics are pharmacies located in retail stores with a rotating staff.

Practice prevention: The CDC recommends drinking plenty of fluids and eating a healthy diet to boost your immune system. Getting plenty of sleep at night and exercising can help as well. Basic hygiene such as washing your hands regularly before eating and after using the bathroom is especially important during flu season. Invest in hand sanitizer at work and home to stay protected throughout the day. At home, disinfect kitchen counter tops, doorknobs, computer keyboards, toys and even your TV remote to prevent the spread of germs.

Stay home if you get sick. The CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit close contact with others to keep from infecting them. Stay home until there has been no fever (>100°F) for 24 hours, without fever reducing medications.

Consider generics: If you or members of your family begin to feel symptoms associated with the flu or a reaction to a flu shot, such as a runny nose, cough or headache, then over-the-counter medications may minimize discomfort, but will not treat the viral infection. Consider purchasing generic medications from your local pharmacy. These may be just as effective as major brand names and cost significantly less.

For more advice on flu prevention, visit www.cdc.gov/flu and to check the reliability of a company, visit www.bbb.org.

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