Ok folks flu season
is here and it’s a bad one! Because most college students live in a dorm (or another
dense living area) it’s important to know some information on flu
vaccinations.
I would recommend
doing a little research on flu shots to know what’s right for you. For some,
getting a flu shot every year is a must, and either it works, or they only
catch a mild case of it. Joseph Seacrest
from Campus Rec Fitness states, “Before the season starts, every football
player is required to get a shot.” For others, they never get a flu shot and
seem to never get the flu. It’s important to know your body and how it
reactions to vaccinations. Though it helps many, some still get sick by it.
This year’s vaccine only works on most, but not all of the flu strains. Sulma Cortez
from Campus Rec Facilities states, “You could still get the Flu even if you get
the vaccine. Whether you’re
getting one or not, you should always practice preventive care.”
Here are some steps
you can take in your daily life to help protect you from getting the flu.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine
If you’re one of the unfortunate ones that happens to get
the flu, don’t worry; I have some advice for you too.
1.) Blow Your Nose Often -- and the Right Way
It's important to blow your nose regularly rather than
sniffling mucus back into your head. When you blow hard, pressure can cause an
earache. The best way to blow your nose is to press a finger over one nostril
while you blow gently to clear the other. Wash your hands after blowing your nose.
2.) Stay Rested
Resting when you first come down with a cold or the flu
helps your body direct its energy toward the immune battle. This battle takes a
toll on your body. Try giving it a little help by lying down under a blanket.
3.) Gargle
Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring temporary
relief. Try a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water, four times daily. To
reduce the tickle in your throat, try an astringent gargle (like tea that
contains tannin) to tighten the membranes. Also you can use a thick, viscous
gargle made with honey or a mixture of honey and apple cider vinegar.
4.) Drink Hot Liquids
Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion, help prevent
dehydration, and soothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your
nose and throat.
5.) Apply Hot or Cold Packs Around Your Congested Sinuses
Either temperature may help you feel more comfortable. You
can buy reusable hot or cold packs at a drugstore, or make your own. Take a
damp washcloth and heat it for 55 seconds in a microwave (test the temperature
first to make sure it's not scalding). For a cold pack, just take a small bag
of frozen peas.
6.) Take vitamins
Help give your body the tools to fight the virus by
supplying it with vitamins and minerals
Remember, if you have any severe symptoms or you are feeling sicker with each passing day, please see a doctor.
If you are interested in getting a flu shot free of charge,
be one of the first 100 people to visit the SFA Health Services Clinic. They
are open Monday - Friday 8:30a.m. - 4:00p.m.
Researches:
4.) http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2013/01/14/can-flu-vaccine-cause-the-flu/1833793/
5.) http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/8-tips-to-treat-colds-and-flu-the-natural-way
-Just a thought from Dev. Hill
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