The Sunnyvale Sun
News
No flu vaccine shortage
By ERIN HUSSEY
The leaves are changing, there's a slight nip in the air and everyone seems to be sneezing. It's flu season. When it comes to this unpleasant virus, prevention is the best defense.
"The single best way to protect against the flu is to get the vaccination each year," said Connie Conover, a registered nurse at Camino Medical Group. Conover organizes the company's Flu Express clinics.
According to Conover and the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there will not be a flu shot shortage this season. The best time to get the shot is mid-October through the end of November. This allows the vaccine to be effective during the peak of the flu season, December through March. Shots will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition to the flu shot, there are other ways to help ward off the virus.
"It's the stuff that your mom always told you," Conover said. "Cover your cough, handwashing with plain old soap and water, getting plenty of rest and drinking plenty of fluids. It's not magic."
Shared surfaces such as countertops, doorknobs, keyboards and phones should be wiped down frequently with disinfectant. If you are caring for a sick child or family member, wash your hands even more frequently and try to minimize proximity to their face. People may be able to infect others one day before flu symptoms begin and up to five days after getting sick.
Conover also suggests talking to your doctor about taking extra vitamins or herbs. Establish a healthy diet and exercise routine, don't smoke and do limit alcohol consumption. These steps can help boost your immune system and its ability to fight the flu.
If you do get the flu this season, Conover said the best thing to do is get lots of rest.
"Try not to go to work and be macho and work through it," she said. "You are infecting the people around you. Get lots of rest and fluids. It's such simple formula, but it seems to be the proven thing to do."
If your symptoms fall out of the norm, schedule an appointment with your doctor. The CDC cautions that in some people, the flu can cause serious complications such as bacterial pneumonia, dehydration or the worsening of chronic medical conditions. Children and adults may develop sinus problems or ear infections.
While the Flu Express is limited to patients of the Camino Medical Group, various medical offices, pharmacies and even grocery stores offer the flu shot. The American Lung Association maintains a website on which you can search by ZIP code for available flu shots in your area. Visit www.findaflushot.com for a complete listing.
