The Flu & You

Have you heard of the flu shot working for some people but not for others?

This year, rely on science to see if the flu shot is right for your body. Our "Flu & You" program and genomic testing are the new standard of care regarding the influenza vaccine and its effect on each person individually. Schedule an office visit today with the doctor and you can find out if you are genomically qualified to receive the flu shot this year.

The best defense against illness is a good offense. Smart health habits can go a long way in preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses like the flu. Protect yourself and your children from getting sick by practicing these healthy habits:

• Wash your hands frequently. Ordinary soap is sufficient. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner. Antibacterial soaps add little protection, particularly against viruses. In fact, a study suggests that although hand washing with soap reduced the number of pneumonia-related infections in children under five by 50 percent, there was no difference in the results when antibacterial soap was used instead of regular soap.
• Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, or cover your mouth and nose with your upper sleeve, not your hand.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Refrain from touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs often spread when you touch something that is contaminated with germs and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Remind your kids not to share cups, eating utensils and school supplies, such as pens and pencils.
• Stay home if you or your children are sick to avoid spreading the virus to others. Additionally, staying home and getting adequate rest will help you get back on your feet faster.
• Avoid close contact with sick people when possible. If your child attends day care or school, make sure children and staff are encouraged to stay home when they are sick. If your child's play date is sick, reschedule. It's better to be safe than sorry.
• Add germ-fighting foods to your diet. Click here for ideas.
• Practice other good health habits and keep your family's immune system strong throughout the year:

1. Prepare low-fat, balanced meals packed with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein like fish, soy and beans. 
2. Choose natural, unprocessed foods whenever possible. 
3. Don't smoke. 
4. Exercise regularly. 
5. Get active as a family and plan fun activities. 
6. Manage stress.

"How well the flu vaccine works (or its ability to prevent flu illness) can range widely from season to season. The vaccine’s effectiveness also can vary depending on who is being vaccinated. At least two factors play an important role in determining the likelihood that flu vaccine will protect a person from flu illness: 1) characteristics of the person being vaccinated, and 2) the similarity or “match” between the flu viruses the flu vaccine is designed to protect against and the flu viruses spreading in the community. During years when the flu vaccine is not well matched to circulating influenza viruses, it is possible that no benefit from flu vaccination may be observed.

“Influenza (Flu).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 Sept. 2018, www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm.

“Natural Ways to Prevent and Manage the Flu.” HealthyWomen, www.healthywomen.org/content/article/natural-ways-prevent-and-manage-flu.

“CDC Admits Flu Shots Are Effective Half the Time As Doctors Lobby For More Flu Shots - NVIC Newsletter.” National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC), www.nvic.org/nvic-vaccine-news/april-2016/cdc-admits-flu-shots-fail-half-the-time.aspx.