by D. P. Noe

Created on: September 15, 2008   Last Updated: October 18, 2009

There is so much information out there about the flu in the media and in conversations everywhere. There are no magic brews or chemicals, but there is significant information that you need to know and daily habits you need to follow. If you could live in a bubble and isolate yourself from everyone and everything, you might have a smaller chance of getting the flu. In reality, this is not possible, but there are things you can do to increase your odds of not getting the flu.

For starters, you can increase your odds of staying healthy this flu season. The number one defense to protect yourself is getting the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine cannot protect you against all illnesses but it will give you protections against the three main flu strains that are the cause of flu this year.

The flu vaccine is most important for people who are at serious risk for having complications. These are individuals who have chronic illnesses and compromised immune systems. Also pregnant women and young children over 6 months of age should get protection by having the flu vaccine. If you are a care taker for individuals who are at high risk you should also get the flu vaccine.

The flu season usually starts around November and ends in early spring. Healthy individuals with no history of any chronic diseases usually are sick for approximately a week and then get better. People who have health problems such as diabetes, immune deficiency diseases, and other chronic health problems can become very sick from the flu and some may die. Also children under the age of 5 and infants face more risks of serious complications from the flu.

The flu is a viral infection that causes fever, chills, body aches, coughs and headaches. You should always cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, then throw away the tissue after you have used it. Wash your hands often with soap and water and especially after you have been coughing or sneezing. If you use a hand sanitizer, it should be alcohol based.

If you get the flu, the best advice is to stay home. You should be limiting your contact with other individuals when you are ill with the flu. You do not want to spread the infection to others who in turn can spread to the individuals they come in contact with. It can become a vicious cycle. Avoid touching your eyes nose or mouth with your hands, this is a common way that germs are spread.

Maintaining your health status is a key defense against the flu. Eating a healthy balanced diet helps you to maintain

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