Avoiding the Flu

By Michele Blandino

The arrival of the fall season means a number of things: cooler, crisper temperatures, football, the return of school for kids, and, unfortunately, the beginning of the cold and flu season.

To protect themselves, many people, particularly the elderly and those with chronic illnesses make a visit to their doctor's office each fall to receive a flu shot. This year, however, an unexpected shortage in the amount of the anti-flu vaccine will force a large portion of those most vulnerable to contracting the flu to go without this added measure of protection.

Is the Vaccine Necessary?

Whether or not you should receive a flu shot is largely a matter of personal preference and goes far beyond the scope of this article. Some physicians strongly advocate the vaccine for all their patients. Others argue that far too much faith is being placed in a vaccine that only offers protection against one specific strain of the flu virus. In the end, however, the decision whether or not to immunize rests with two people: you and your physician.

What You Can Do

Whether you are muddling through the cold and flu season vaccine-free by choice or by necessity, there are a number of things you can do to increase your chances of making it through the winter months as healthful as possible. And, not surprisingly, many of the measures you can take are simply matters of common sense.

First, wash your hands - often. While most people do wash up after using the bathroom, there are many other times when doing so is equally as important. Think about the number of places where you are exposed to germs on a daily basis: pushing a shopping cart, opening a door, handling money. Yet, how many of us wash our hands after a trip to the grocery store? Making a habit of washing your hands upon your return home from any type of outing can have a significant impact on the number of cold and flu germs you will carry. Better yet, keep a supply of disinfectant wipes handy - in your purse, briefcase, and car - so that you can quickly clean your hands after visiting a public place.

Next, make sure you get enough rest. When our bodies are fatigued, our vulnerability to illness is raised. Likewise, an increase in stress can have an effect on our ability to fight off illness. A well rested, relaxed body on the other hand, just may have the fight needed to ward off threatening germs.

Whenever possible, try to schedule your shopping trips during non-peak hours. This is expecially true if your immune system has already been weakened by a chronic illness or other condition. As we approach the holiday shopping season, the stores will become increasingly crowded which only heightens the chance that you will unknowingly pick up an unwanted illness. By limiting your ventures into crowded public areas, you will greatly decrease your chances of becoming sick.

Can't Hurt, Might Help

In the end, even if you take every precaution possible - including receiving the flu vaccine - you may still get sick. But, hopefully, by following some of these tips, the severity and duration of your illness will decrease.