higher risk for having more complications if they contract the flu virus. They include the following:
- Those on statins who are over 65. Statin drugs tend to blunt the immune response to flu vaccination. If you decide to get a flu vaccine, make sure you get a high-dose version of the vaccine or a vaccine that contains an adjuvant or booster, both of which stimulate an effective immune response.
- Patients in long-term skilled facilities are also at risk. Often influenza can come via newly admitted residents, the health care workers who work with the patients at the facility, or visitors who may come to the facility.
- Children under 5 years of age. Influenza or the flu are common in children younger than 2 years old and they usually have severe complications. An average of 20,000 children under the age 5 are hospitalized due to having flu complications, some resulting in death.
- Children who have asthma, diabetes, and disorders of the brain and nervous system are also more likely to develop flu complications.
- Pregnant women and those women up to two weeks postpartum are also at risk for contracting the flu. This is likely due to the changes in the immune system as well as the major organs including the heart and lungs. The flu can further complicate a pregnant woman’s unborn child leading to labor and delivery occurring prematurely.
Best Ways to Protect Yourself
Here are ways you can protect yourself from the flu virus:
- If you can, avoid people who have the flu or flu-like symptoms. They are highly contagious. If you have to be a caretaker to someone who has the flu, wear a face mask or respirator.
- Make sure you wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Pay close attention to ‘common surfaces’ that others may touch and/or handled.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. These are the entryways for viruses to enter into your body.
- Also, it should be noted that getting the flu shot provides the best protection against the flu and can be taken even if you are pregnant.
- If you feel you have flu-like symptoms, make sure you make an appointment to see your physician immediately. They can provide you with an antiviral drug that will provide treatment for the flu.
Be proactive in protecting yourself from the influenza virus.
By taking the right precautions for you and your family, and receiving the necessary medical care if you do experience flu-like symptoms, you will help reduce your risk of the flu or complications from it.