Stay Healthy This Flu Season
Stay Healthy This Flu Season
Northwestern Memorial encourages vaccination as
prevention against the seasonal flu
CHICAGO - An estimated five to 20 percent of the population is burdened with congestion, coughing spells, body aches, fatigue and fever each flu season. As we approach the beginning of flu activity in Chicago, experts remind Chicagoans that a simple flu shot can prevent the potential dangers, discomfort and stress associated with the flu, and encourage vaccination.
“The flu is a highly contagious virus that usually enters the body through the mouth, nose or eyes,” said Catherine Cheng, MD, internal medicine, Northwestern Integrative Medicine at Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group. “If someone who is infected coughs or sneezes, the virus can then become airborne, spreading quickly to those in close proximity to them.”
Flu season usually runs from October through May, often peaking in the United States during January or February. Cheng notes that the flu vaccination is the best way to avoid getting the flu, and an important measure to protect your friends and family members as well. This year’s vaccine includes protection against the H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus.
Cheng states that there are many misconceptions surrounding the flu. “The flu vaccine does not put you at risk of getting the flu, it prevents it,” said Cheng. “Getting a flu shot may cause temporary, minor side effects only. The most common side effect is stiffness in the injection site.”
According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it takes two weeks for the body to build antibodies against the flu, which is why it’s important to get vaccinated early in the season. Experts recommend that everyone over the age of six months receive the flu vaccine and stresses the importance of the shot for the following high risk groups:
- Children under the age of five
- Adults age 65 and older
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with certain chronic or immunosuppressive conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and asthma
- Native Americans
- Individuals under age 19 who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
People who have had an allergic reaction to the vaccine in the past and those who suffer from egg allergies should not seek flu shots and should speak with a healthcare provider for an alternative method of protection. The vaccine is not approved for children younger than six months of age.
“Should you come down with the flu, antiviral drugs are highly effective if taken within 48 hours of your first flu symptoms,” added Cheng. “Taking these drugs can also reduce the amount of time you are sick and make you less contagious to others.”
In addition to the seasonal flu vaccine, general health routines help protect against the virus and other illnesses.
“Practicing good hand hygiene is the most important way to avoid spreading the flu virus,” said Cheng. “Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and maintain healthy habits like getting plenty of rest and exercise. Good nutrition and drinking plenty of fluids is also a good defense to help you stay healthy.”
More information about influenza, as well as flu shot locations and schedules can be found online or by calling 312-926-0779.
About Northwestern Memorial HealthCare
Northwestern Memorial HealthCare is the parent corporation of Chicago’s Northwestern Memorial Hospital, an 894-bed academic medical center hospital and Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, a 205-bed community hospital located in Lake Forest, Illinois.
About Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Northwestern Memorial is one of the country’s premier academic medical center hospitals and is the primary teaching hospital of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Along with its Prentice Women’s Hospital and Stone Institute of Psychiatry, the hospital comprises 894 beds, 1,603 affiliated physicians and 7,144 employees. Northwestern Memorial is recognized for providing exemplary patient care and state-of-the art advancements in the areas of cardiovascular care; women’s health; oncology; neurology and neurosurgery; solid organ and soft tissue transplants and orthopaedics.
Northwestern Memorial possesses nursing Magnet Status, the nation’s highest recognition for patient care and nursing excellence. It is also listed in 13 clinical specialties in U.S. News & World Report’s2011 “America’s Best Hospitals” guide and ranks No. 1 in Chicago in the 2011 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals metro area rankings. For 12 years running, Northwestern Memorial has been rated among the “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” guide by Working Mother magazine. The hospital is a recipient of the prestigious National Quality Health Care Award and has been chosen by Chicagoans as the Consumer Choice according to the National Research Corporation’s annual survey for 11 years.