It’s flu season again. If you have a compromised immune system because of cancer, being elderly, pregnant or if you are a caregiver for cancer patients, you should do whatever you can to minimize your chances of getting the flu.
These high risk patients have an increased chance of developing complications as a result of the flu such as:
- Pneumonia
- Sinus Infection
- Ear Infections.
If you fall in this high risk category, these complications can be deadly.
What is the flu?
The flu is much like a common cold but more severe. It is caused by the influenza virus.
Flu Symptoms:
- Fevers
- Body aches
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
- Runny and/or stuffy nose
- Cough
It is important that if you experience any of these symptoms to contact your health care provider immediately to let them know that you have flu-like symptoms.
Here are five steps that you can take today to help prevent your risk of catching the flu:
- Get a Flu Shot. This is one of the most important things you can do to minimize your risk. Get a flu shot this year and every year.
- Don’t be around sick people. Sick people will get you sick.
- Wash your hands. Constantly. Soap and water is best. Hand-sanitizer is okay if you don’t have access to soap and water.
- Sanitize your work space and the things you touch constantly. Everything from pens, pencils and phone, to your computer and keyboard.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose & mouth. If the virus is on your hands, touching your eyes, nose or mouth will transmit the virus to your body.
If you do all these things and you still develop flu-like symptoms you want to:
- First, call your health-care provider.
- Then, get an over-the-counter anti-viral medication. Start the medication as soon as symptoms develop. Medication will work best if you start taking them within two days.
If you develop difficulty breathing, very high fever, chest pain or pressure, nausea or vomiting, or confusion, you should immediately visit the Emergency Room to be evaluated.
Remember flu season begins in October and runs through May. Even when everyone has stopped talking about it, its still flu season.
: Prevention is better than cure.
