It's More Than "Just The Flu"
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Dr. Donnica's Top Ten Tips for Flu Prevention:

1. Wash hands, wash hands, wash hands.  Especially if you've just sneezed, are preparing food, have wiped a child's nose, etc.  Antibacterial soaps are not necessary.
2. If washing hands isn't convenient, carry a disinfectant such as Purelle®.
3. Wash everything else-food surfaces, glasses, etc.
4. Don't share germs; be rigid about not kissing or sharing drinks with someone who has any flu or cold symptoms.
5. Practice stress management: increased stress increases cold and flu symptoms.
6. If possible, avoid sleeping in the same room with someone who has the flu or a bad cold.
7. Get sufficient sleep.
8. If you are in a high-risk group, get vaccinated, sooner rather than later.  Get the shot, not the flu!
9. Replace toothbrushes after every respiratory illness.
10. The new medications, Relenza® and Tamiflu are designed to treat the flu, but it may also prevent the flu in family members of someone who has it.  Ask your doctor if this is for you (see below).

Vaccination is the best option to prevent influenza outbreaks.  Vaccines can prevent infection in 7 to 9 out of 10 healthy people less than 65 years old and in one out of 3 nursing home residents.  Yet only about one in 3 people under 65 and two out of 3 people over age 65 currently get vaccinated.

• Children under 2.
• Adults over age 50.
• Anyone with chronic respiratory problems including asthma or emphysema.
• Smokers (another good reason to quit smoking).
• Anyone with a weakened immune system: e.g. those with cancer, AIDS, immune disorders, taking immunosuppressant medications, or who have had their spleen removed.
• Diabetics.
• Heart disease patients.
• Nursing home residents or employees.
• Children ages 6 months to 18 years old on long-term aspirin therapy who may be at risk for Reye's syndrome if they get the flu.
• Pregnant women who will be past their 3rd month of pregnancy during flu season, which lasts from November through April.
• Alcoholics with liver impairment.
• Caretakers of any of the above.  This includes health care workers (including anyone who works in a hospital), moms with small kids, and childcare workers.

Those allergic to eggs must speak with their physician before getting vaccinated.

• Fear of shots.
• People think they're not at risk when they are.
• People are too busy and it falls off our list of things to do.
• People are misinformed about the risks of the flu shot (generally overestimated).
• People are misinformed about the risks of the flu!  (generally underestimated)
• This includes healthcare workers!  A recent study showed that healthcare workers are less likely to get sick and lose days from work if they are vaccinated against influenza before flu season begins. However, currently only 16% to 51% of healthcare workers get a flu shot!