Tag Archive for flu

Do It Even if you Don’t Normally Do It

I’m talking about an annual flue shot. If you haven’t already done it, do it now. You don’t want to get the regular flu anytime, but this year you don’t want to get it and have it weaken you, making you more susceptible to Covid-19. And you REALLY don’t want both at once.

I got my flu shot yesterday. Please get yours today.

Health Alert!

Keep the flu out of your home. Not worried? You should be.  The CDC says that all states except Hawaii are suffering widespread flu, and the season will continue for at least a couple more months.

This morning, Morning Express on HLN (Headline News) had an expert who offered specific measures we can take BEFORE the flu invades our homes and families.  They’re worth repeating here. (Parentheses are my additions.)

  • Everyone should wash hands often (use any soap and scrub for 30 seconds–temperature of water doesn’t matter).
  • Clean hard surfaces, including all handles (and doorknobs) with an anti-viral cleaning agent (commercial, or, to be eco-friendly, hot water and vinegar or Simple Green).
  • Dry hands on paper towels instead of on a community towel. (Minimize the harm to the ecology by buying paper towels made of recycled materials).
  • Clean toys, hand-held games, remotes–any solid thing the family touches.  (Use that anti-viral cleaning agent.)
  • Use a humidifier.  Flu germs hate warm, humidified air.
  • Gargle green tea.

My main chore today is to flu-proof my home.  Please do the same, dear readers.

Be well.

Protect your Friends & Loved Ones

Your lack of action can bring great harm to your friends and loved ones.  It can even contribute to their death if they have COPD or lung infections that reduce their chances of living through the flu (or even a cold).  The CDC says that 200,000 people land up in the hospital annually due to flu-related illness, probably because only 42% of Americans tend to get vaccinated against the flu.

Some people play Russian Roulette.  Knowing that the vaccination is good for only a year, they wait until late in the year to get their shot so it “lasts longer.”  Yet, the virus is already floating around, and it does take two weeks after the shot for the body to develop the necessary protective antibodies.

I got my inoculation, partly to protect myself but also because I feel a responsibility to help protect those around me.  The flu is a potential killer.  It’s up to each of us to stop it and to take care of each other.