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!

National Flu Vaccination Week

January 10th - 16th has been declared National Flu Vaccination Week. The Department of Health and Human Services has reported that in 2009 there were:

• 47 million cases of H1N1
• 200,000 hospitalizations
• nearly 10,000 deaths

Thankfully, the number of flu cases has declined in recent weeks, however experts warn we should get ready for a third wave of H1N1. National Flu Vaccination Week was named to remind Americans to get vaccinated. Vaccinations are now open to everyone in most parts of the country. You can find more information here.

In San Diego county, US Healthworks Medical Group clinics are now offering flu vaccinations for $15. We encourage you to use the link above to learn more about patient eligibility and find the clinic nearest you. If you have your own doctor and insurance, inquire about a special rate for flu vaccinations this week and take charge of your health!

Flu Season is Here

The new strain of the flu virus, H1N1, is making headlines. On the radio, on the television news, in the newspaper, and online we are told the nasty virus is coming, and it's time to get ready. Just like any disease, the best way to battle it is prevention. Here are a few helpful tips on how to battle the flu, before it reaches you.

• Wash your hands: Hand washing is the number one way you can prevent the spread of disease. Wash frequently, for at least 20 seconds. If a sink is not nearby, an alcohol based sanitizer will do the trick.



• Take Vitamin D: Exposure to the sun helps in getting your daily dose of this important vitamin, but winter makes that more difficult. Make sure vitamin D is in your daily dose, as it has been proven to reduce the likelyhood of the flu.



• Eat Probiotics: Probiotics are good bacteria found in fermented food such as yogurt and soy. Promoting a healthy balance of bacteria will help in digestion, and boost immune fighting chemicals in your body.



• Eat Fruits and Veggies: This is a good idea all year round, but loading up your body with immune fighting phytochemicals found in these foods is essential during flu season.



• Get Vaccinated: Although the National Institutes of Health does not have the H1N1 vaccine ready for widespread use, you can still get the general flu vaccine now.

The new Dr. Oz Show recently featured the flu on a recent broadcast, and gave several more helpful suggestions on how to prevent it. The three most important groups of individuals who should get the flu vaccine immediately are pregnant women, young children, and those in the healthcare industry. Elder Care Guides is doing what we can to inform our clients and caregivers of this important information, and encouraging them to incorporate these preventative measures. Sending out a flyer of information, offering to reimburse for the cost of the vaccine, and reminders during home visits are a few ways we have helped.

Here's to your health!