Thursday, January 17, 2013
Florida's flu season may last through February. Here are a few simple steps for staying well.
1.) The flu virus can live up to 12 hours on countertops and doorknobs. It's not a bad idea to wipe down hard surfaces at the home or office, including keyboards. Using disinfecting wipes is quick and convenient. Keeping a spraycan of Lysol handy is not a bad idea either. 2.) Advise family members to cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough. Avoid people who do not take this precaution because it is a sure way to pass along flu germs. 3.) If you do not have to shake hands, then don't. The contact allows for the virus to be transmitted if the person then rubs his or her eyes or mouth. 4.) Remember when Mom said to wash your hands? Well, she was right. Health experts say use soap and sing "Happy Birthday" twice to yourself to know that …
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
We ask a local expert to debunk some myths about the flu bug.
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Wednesday, January 16
With a lot of Floridians getting sick with the flu, we decided to address some modern folklore about the vius. St. Joseph's Hospital's infection prevention and control manager Liz Moseley agreed to answer questions about the flu. Patch: Does the flu shot cause the flu? Moseley: The flu shot cannot give you the flu. Common side effects from the flu shot are sore arm, low fever and achiness. The nasal-spray flu vaccine can cause side effects of runny nose, sore throat or cough. If someone does experience any of these side effects, they are mild and don’t last long. Patch: Is the stomach flu a form of the flu? Moseley: The stomach flu is not the same thing as Influenza. Signs and symptoms of flu (Influenza) are fever, cough, sore throat, …
Friday, January 11, 2013
Fluzone High-Dose is widely available, with CVS among retailers providing it to people 65 and older. The mega dose is intended to produce a stronger immune response in patients.
The flu suckered-punched a lot of Floridians, arriving early and with a vengeance in 2013. The virus is sticking around, too. It is now widespread across most U.S. states, including the Sunshine State. Vaccines are still available, and there's also a high-dose version that may KO chances older patients may succumb to the virus. A high-dose flu shot? If you've never heard of the vaccine, you're not alone. It is only a couple years old but effective in senior citizens, who often are vulnerable to flu's complications, which include pneumonia. The high-dose flu vaccine was developed with patients 65 and older in mind. They can handle the mega-dose of antigens that the vaccine delivers, which is four times the usual amount. That high does …
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
This flu season is tougher on Floridians than last year, but there are many places in your neighborhood that offer shots.
The flu is widespread across Florida and the nation, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control. News reports detail the impact of the bad flu season: Flu is widespread in 41 states...deaths climbed to 18... outpatient visits for flu jumped to 5.6 percent. Getting a flu shot is still the best line of defense, according to health experts. Fortunately, it's easy to find a clinic, pharmacy or even grocery store in Florida where flu vaccines areoffered. Here's a quick look: 1.) Publix supermarkets offer flu shots. The Florida-based grocery store chain also has a "flu shot" locator, where you can enter in your zipcode to find the stores that offer shots in your community or neighborhood. 2.) CVS pharmacies are …
