No Flu this Fall

Photo: http://patch.com

Did you recently move to the United States? Is this your first Autumn in this country? Did you migrate from a tropical country?  If your answer is affirmative, it is almost sure that your immunology system is not adapted to the cool weather yet.  Maybe you are anxious to go out and enjoy the colorful autumn but you need to keep yourself healthy

“Fall is here and we’re all excited for the seasonal joys of cooler weather and beautiful New England leaves.  But it means that flu season is upon us, too.” Says the article:  “Don’t Fall for the Flu” publisher in Healthy You of Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island.  Where the insurance services motivate Rhode islanders to get the flu shot, which is available since October each year.

Photo: http://www.kykernel.com

            The newsletter says to Neighborhood members that the vaccination is a not cost for their members and they can get it from their provider health care or at a local clinic or at any pharmacy.  According to the Rhode Island Department of Health in its webpage (www.health.ri.gov/flu), if people want to prevent the flu, getting the flu shot is the best way to do it.

            “Other than getting the flu shot every year, you can help prevent the spread of flu by keeping up with food hygiene habits.  Like the common cold, the flu is a virus that can be through sneezing and coughing.  Also, it can live outside of the body for two hours, meaning that surfaces like doorknobs and countertop should be kept clean.” Recommend the newsletter.

            Other recommendations to be healthy this Autumn are to wear warm clothes, do no be outside for long period of time when you feel that the weather is very cool, wash your hands frequently, especially when you have being dealing with ill people, avoid touching your nose and mouth, use tissues for coughs and sneezes and dispose of them immediately and appropriately.

            The School of Medicine at University of Wisconsin-Madison recommends eating right and getting regular exercise, avoid crowds and keep your distance from people whom you know are ill, avoid sharing objects, reduce stress and if you are sick, stay home from work or school.