Flu Activity. Accessed 1.31.2020

Seasonal Flu activity remains high. The new coronavirus is a hot topic in the news, but fact of the matter is, you are much more likely to get seasonal flu (influenza). There are still several months of flu season ahead. Talk to your doctor

Talk to your doctor about your risks of flu, and means of prevention (1) such as vaccinations.

Flu vaccinations Do NOT Cause the flu. Vaccinations are considered preventative care, and may be covered by your insurance. Free vaccinations are available through CVS and Walgreens.  Gloucester’s Health Department also offers flu vaccinations; call Public Health Nurse Kelly Hiland at 978-325-5266.

The current risk level for flu in Gloucester MA is high. Infants, people over 50, and people with chronic health issues (lung, heart kidney or liver disease, and neurologic, blood, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus), are more at risk for complications from the flu.

Vaccine Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2) According to the CDC, the flu vaccine has been found to reduce the risk of seeking a doctors appointment for the flu by 40% to 60% during seasons when the vaccine viruses are similar to the circulating viruses. While It is true that the vaccine does not cover all strains, generally, if someone has had the vaccination, when one gets the flu, it may be a milder case with fewer complications. (3) The CDC recommends “everyone ages 6 months and older* get a flu shot every flu season,” but the CDC also says there are some people who should not get a flu shot. Again, talk to your doctor.

If you do have symptoms of the flu, (4) stay home and contact your doctor. Sometimes cold symptoms mimic those of the flu. When in doubt, check it out; consult your doctor or healthcare provider.

Sources and More Information on the Flu from the Centers of Disease and Prevention.

(1) Preventing Flu (in English) and Spanish)

(2) Flu Vaccine Information Sheet

(3) Effectiveness of Flu Vaccines

(4) Symptoms of Flu

Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Cover Your Cough. When Sick – stay home, drink plenty of fluids (unless otherwise advised by your physician), and get plenty of rest. Take good care of yourself!

Enjoy a Healthy Lifestyle; avoid smoking, minimize or avoid alcohol altoghether. Engage in healthy eating, regular exercise, and daily relaxation in order to stay healthy and well, whatever the season.

Best in health, Karen

Karen Pischke BSN, RN, Alumnus CCRN, Nurse Researcher, Integrative Nurse Consultant, Author, Speaker, Photographer. Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Your Bridge to Health: Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit. Karen is a registered nurse with a background in critical care nursing, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiac risk factor reduction, wellness and integrative healthcare. Incorporating a collaborative, integrative approach, Karen strives to educate, advocate for, and empower you in your healthcare goals. Providing evidence-based integrative healthcare services and self-care tools that are safe as well as effective at improving overall health, happiness and wellbeing. www.DreamtimeWellness.com. 978.283.4258. Email: dreamtimewellness@gmail.com. Find us on Instagram and Facebook

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