Influenza Prevention
Influenza Prevention 101
Viral infections such as flu are hard to treat once they
make host of a person. So, it is always the 'prevention is
better than cure'. Now, let’s look at some recommended
ways of influenza prevention.
1. Vaccination Through Flu Shot
Millions of people from all over the world are given vaccination
against influenza each year, preferably in the month of October
or November. This is known as the flu shot and is given in
the form of injection. This is a trivalent vaccine such as
a single injection contains three subtypes of vaccine. Also,
the vaccine given for influenza prevention will be different
each year since the flu-causing viruses keep changing genetically.
Most cases of flu can be effectively prevented through flu
shot. Age and the state of a person's immunity are two major
factors, besides the composition of the vaccine, on which
the success of a particular vaccine depends. In case the flu
shot does not completely prevent the attack of flu, vaccination
is useful in reducing the severity of flu. It also keeps from
the risk of secondary complications which can result in pneumonia
In some people, there might be some minor side effects, but
will disappear soon.
2. Vaccination Through Nasal Spray
Vaccination through nasal spray is the latest influenza prevention.
It was approved by the FDA in 2003 which is known as FluMist,
it can be used to vaccinate healthy people from five to fifty
years of age against flu. However, it is not meant to be used
by people who have suffered long-term health problems such
as heart disease or lung infections. They better get vaccinated
with flu shot. It should be noted that in case of using a
nasal spray vaccine to vaccinate people with a highly impaired
immune system, contact with them should not be made for at
least a week. The FluMist nasal vaccine is typically more
expensive than a flu shot.
3. Influenza Prevention Alternatives
Cleanliness certainly is the most important aspect of influenza
prevention. Wash your hands regularly after any contact especially
in the season when you see people sneezing around you, suffering
from flu. Try not to touch your hands to your eyes, nose,
and mouth, as these are the spots where viruses make their
way into the body. Maintain a clean, healthy, and balanced
diet and have a regular exercise. Reduce smoking since it
irritates the lining of the respiratory tract and increases
your chances of getting complications in flu. Also, shed the
misconception that use of antibiotics or large doses of vitamins
will prevent flu or treat it effectively.
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