Flu Season is Quickly Approaching...

With the fall comes the start of school, cooler temperatures, the changing of the leaves, and of course – it’s that time of the year when the flu virus rears its ugly head!   As the season quickly approaches, many people question when and if they should get the flu vaccine.   Also, most importantly, how can one prevent getting it all together?

There are several ways to maintain your overall health and boost your immune system, which protects you from many viruses, including the flu.  So, what can you do?

1. Reduce stress.  A steady cascade of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, negatively impacts the body's ability to stay well.  Findings show that reducing levels of stress through relaxation techniques, daily exercise, and coping skills helps your body maintain physical and emotional health.  This is probably the most important lifestyle change you can practice to boost immunity.
2. Get plenty of rest – every night!  Prolonged sleep deprivation wears down immune protection, while getting adequate rest each night helps to boost your defenses.  Try to aim for seven to eight hours sleep for the best immune function. 
3. Be happy!  Take some time each day to “Stop and smell the roses.”  Enjoy life's journey and listen to your favorite tunes.  Some findings indicate that listening to just 30 minutes of music increases IGA levels (your body’s natural immune fighters). 
4. Wash your hands.  Nothing beats the potency of frequent hand washing to keep germs at bay.  By washing hands thoroughly -- and often -- throughout the day, you can stay healthier and help your immune system protect you from the flu and other diseases.

Ok, so you’re probably thinking if I do all the right things, why do I need the flu shot?  Well, even with the best preventive measures you may be exposed and not even know it.  Most of us come in contact with hundreds of people on a daily basis.  According to the CDC, most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.  Children may pass the virus for longer than 7 days.  Symptoms start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body.  That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.  Some people can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those people may still spread the virus to others.

So who should get the flu shot this year?  Everyone who is at least 6 months of age should get a flu vaccine this season. It’s especially important for some people to get vaccinated, including:

1. People who are at high risk of developing serious complications, like pneumonia, if they get sick with the flu.  This includes people who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease. 
2. Pregnant women. 
3. People 65 years and older. 
4. People who live with or care for others who are high risk of developing serious complications.  This includes household contacts and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.

So, how effective is the flu shot?  The ability of a flu vaccine to protect a person depends on the age and health status of the person getting the vaccine, and the similarity or “match” between the viruses or virus in the vaccine and those in circulation.  With that being said, according to the CDC, getting vaccinated every year provides the best protection against influenza throughout flu season.  For more information, visit the CDC Web site.

So, to have a healthy fall season, take time to care for you and your family and stop by Nova Urgent Care for your flu shot – no appointment is necessary!  Or, of course, you can always schedule an appointment with your primary care provider through the Medical Group.   

For your convenience, Nova Urgent Care will offer 4 walk-in, self-pay flu clinics this year in Suite 203 of the Ashburn office:

• Monday, September 24^th 
• Friday, September 28^th 
• Monday, November 12^th 
• Friday, November 16^th

Vaccines will be $20 per person; cash or credit card only.  The walk-in flu clinics will be held from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., and additional walk-in, self-pay clinic hours are available upon request.  In addition, I recommend checking out The Medical Spa at Nova’s many herbal supplements that can also help to boost your immune system.  A healthier fall is definitely a happier one!

-Posted by Robin Donald, DO