Healthy Habits: Flu Prevention

Flu season is upon us and people are always trying to learn the newest and most effective ways to prevent it. Dr. Kevin Campbell has the following suggestions to stay healthy this winter:

1. One of the best ways to prevent flu is good hand hygeine. Remember to wash hands frequently. Sneeze or cough into the elbow. Avoid touching surfaces in public places and then touching mouth or nose --this transmits germs. Certainly the most important part of flu prevention is to receive the flu vaccine. Get the vaccine yourself and make sure that those you live with have it as well. It is the best way to prevent spread and epidemic of flu.

2. The flu shot is the cornerstone of prevention. Typcially the shot is relatively protective. However, some patients may still get the flu even if they have had the shot. However, if they do, the course of the illness is much less severe. Certainly anyone over the age of 65 must get the vaccine. Pregnant mothers should also receive the vaccine. Anyone, regardless of age with asthma, diabetes or chronic lung disease should absolutely get the shot. Anyone in the healthcare industry should be vaccinated.  

3. Other important methods for flu prevention include the following:

• Get plenty of sleep. Adequate sleep helps bolster the immune system and improves our body's ability to fight off disease and infection. Typically 6-8 hours is the minimum for adults.
• Manage stress effectively. Stress impairs the immune system and makes us more susceptible to infection. It is important that we find ways to curb stress particularly during flu season. Effective methods include the 5 minute meditation, yoga, exercise, etc
• Get plenty of exercise. Exercise bolsters the immune system and improves our ability to fight disease. It is imperitive to get an average of 20mins of exercise a day for the average adult.
• Drink plenty of water. During winter months when flu is prevalent it is important to remain well hydrated. This will help your body's immune system function properly

4. Often after a mild flu season the public becomes complacent about flu prevention. We must remember that every year is different and sometimes it is hard to predict what may happen. However, the risks of flu and its serious complications remain the same year after year. Thousands of Americans die every year from flu related complications. We must take it serioiusly every year and take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and those around us.  

5. Making flu predictions is quite difficult. It is based on epidemiologic models and is not always accurate. The best adivce I have is to prepare for a "bad season" every year. By preparing patients and aggressively using vaccines, we can hopefully minimize the impact that flu season may have on public health in the US each year.