All of my doctors recommend that everyone who spends time with me or in our home receive the flu vaccine. This is referred to as “herd immunity”. Immunize the “herd” (sorry family and friends for this reference to you as the “herd”) to protect me. The logic is if all of my family and friends stay healthy, I will have a higher potential to remain well. Again, this is going to have to be a very personal decision for each of my loved ones and some may choose not to vaccinate. I have read studies touting 5000 IU of daily Vitamin D3 as being a good defender of the flu. However, do not be offended, when I may not be able to be around crowds or groups of loved ones. The most frightening part of the flu to me is the fact that for 24 hours prior to ANY symptom, you will be contagious. A well-meaning family member or friend, feeling perfectly well, could visit me and infect me and note develop the first flu symptom until it is too late.
We are beginning to formulate a plan of protection for me. Many of these tips will help to protect each of you and those you most love from contracting this threatening virus:
1. Be aware of the flu outbreak levels in your state. Each Friday, I check the CDC’s flu map that shows the level of outbreaks in each state. Once these levels reach REGIONAL or WIDESPREAD, I retreat to staying at home. To check that website, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/flu .This is updated each week. Normally these REGIONAL and WIDESPREAD outbreaks occur in December and last through March – times I spend my days at home.
2. Learn to live like I do everyday. Purell your hands after you touch anything in public including others' hands, grocery carts, money, menus, salt and pepper shakers, buffet utensils, door knobs, elevator buttons. Use your shirt tail or jacket to push buttons, open doors, or when touching other “public” areas. It is much easier to PREVENT the flu rather than to TREAT it.
3. Wash your hands frequently. Cough and sneeze into your elbow – not into your hands where you will spread the germs.
4. Know the flu symptoms like the back of your hand. It is too risky to ignore a symptom as a “cold” or “allergies” or other excuses that you have used in the past. The key to surviving the flu virus is early recognition of the symptoms. Tamiflu, an antiviral medication, is again being recommended as the antiviral of choice for the 2010-2011 flu season. This is a prescription medication. There is a second antiviral with some effect against this year's flu strains – Relenza. If you require an antiviral, discuss your options with your physician. I cannot take Relenza because of having asthma and it is an inhaled drug.
5. The symptoms we cannot ignore according to the CDC are: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Flu can be a deadly illness, especially for the elderly, children and immune compromised patients.
6. More important information about the flu is available at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu.
7. If you or your family is exposed to the flu it is vital that you tell me immediately and do not come around me. Be alert, vigilant and diligent to listen for word that anyone around you has been exposed to the flu or who has developed the virus.
8. If you develop any of the symptoms on the above list, STAY HOME. I am not the only immune compromised person in the community. Going to church, work, or other public spaces with these symptoms is unfair to those around you.
I am not a physician. Each person needs to formulate an anti-flu plan this year for his or her family. Discuss this information with your physicians. I do ask each of you who might come into contact with me, to take this threat very seriously and do all that you can to protect me. My body cannot defend me. Immunizations cannot defend me. I must rely upon God’s protection and the diligence of my family and friends to keep me protected and flu-free this year.
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