All articles tagged with #flu prevention
Dr. Jeremy London, a heart surgeon with over 25 years of experience, shares four practical tips to protect yourself from the flu during winter: wash hands frequently, get a flu shot, prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise, and consider supplements like vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc to boost immunity. While not foolproof, these habits can significantly reduce your risk and severity of illness.
To avoid getting ill before Christmas, the article recommends wearing masks if symptomatic, getting a flu jab, using nasal sprays at first symptoms, eating chicken soup, taking zinc lozenges when needed, and maintaining good hygiene. It also suggests rehydration, moderate alcohol intake, and considering vitamin D supplements over vitamin C for immune support, along with simple remedies like peppermint for congestion and over-the-counter medications for indigestion. Staying cautious and proactive can help navigate the winter health risks.
The newly available FluMist Home nasal spray vaccine offers a needle-free, at-home flu vaccination option for children and adults up to age 49, aiming to improve vaccination rates among needle-phobic individuals, with efficacy comparable to traditional flu shots.
A simulation study from the University of Pittsburgh confirms that higher influenza vaccination rates protect both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, with vaccinated people gaining the most protection. The study emphasizes that increasing vaccination coverage reduces overall flu cases and highlights the importance of vaccination for community health, especially when transmission rates are high. However, in scenarios of rapid spread, herd immunity alone may not suffice to protect unvaccinated individuals, underscoring the need for widespread vaccination.
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre have discovered that the century-old tuberculosis vaccine, BCG, also provides protection against influenza A, potentially influencing future vaccine development and offering broader virus defense, including against COVID-19. The study, published in Nature Immunology, revealed a previously unknown mechanism that extends the vaccine's shield to combat the most prevalent flu strain, paving the way for further research on its potential to prevent other emergent viruses.
Florida State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo suggests that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to preventing viral infections, including the flu. While vaccinations are recommended, Ladapo emphasizes the importance of daily health choices such as balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and social engagement. He believes that these lifestyle factors have a more sustainable impact on overall health than worrying about specific viruses. Ladapo also mentions the potential benefits of supplements like vitamin D.