Don't "fall" victim to the flu!

It's October, and while we're enjoying the beauty of fall, we're also thinking ahead a few months and planning for flu season. If you haven't done so already, please consider the benefits of getting vaccinated for the flu. On the HealthMap Vaccine Finder, you'll find an easy-to-use searchable map of all of the locations where flu shots are currently available, with all of the detailed information you need. It also provides information about locations that offer shingles, pneumonia, and several other important vaccines.

Some important information about the 2013-2014 flu season (source: www.cdc.gov):

• Flu season generally peaks in January-February, although seasonal flu activity can run from October through May.
• The Centers for Disease Control recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.
• Manufacturers project that they will produce between 135-139 million doses of influenza vaccine for the U.S. during the 2013-2014 season. This year's trivalent vaccine is made from the following three viruses:
• an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
• an A(H3N2) virus antigenically like the cell-propagated prototype virus A/Victoria/361/2011



Kathleen Sebelius demonstrates
the "vampire" sneeze.

• a B/Massachusetts/2/2012-like virus.
• Epidemics of flu happen every year, and their length, timing, and severity are variable.
• Practice good health habits to stop the spread of germs: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or do so into the inside of your elbow. Wash your hands often, and use an alcohol-based hand rub when soap and water is not available. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Maintain good overall health, by staying physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of water, and eating nutritious food.
• If you do get sick, there are antiviral medications to treat the flu, which may make the illness milder, help you feel better faster, and may prevent serious complications such as pneumonia.

At Elder Care Guides, we encourage all of the members of our staff to receive an annual flu vaccination, and work with our clients and their health care providers to determine which vaccination(s) are best for them.

Stay healthy!