Faith Regional Health Services | living WELL | Fall 2019

FRHS.ORG 9 Fall means flu PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMI LY DON’T WAIT! Call your primary care clinic to schedule your flu shot. vaccine can significantly reduce a child’s risk of dying from the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises getting vac- cinated by the end of October. But getting vaccinated later—even into January or as long as the flu virus is circulating—can still be beneficial. “It was estimated that 5.5 million cases of the flu were prevented in the U.S. last year through vaccination as well as tens of thousands of hospitalizations,” says Lane Handke, MD, primary care physi- cian at Faith Regional Physician Services Pierce Family Medicine. “The vaccine can be given as early as 6 months of age and should be strongly considered for everyone eligible.” HERE’S A HEADS UP— well, maybe a sleeves up—about the flu vaccine: With rare exceptions, ev- eryone 6 months and older needs one every year. That’s the best protection against the flu and its potentially serious and sometimes deadly complica- tions, such as pneumonia. Getting vaccinated is especially important for those at high risk of complica- tions. Among them: •  People with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart or lung disease. •  Pregnant women. •  Adults 65 and older. •  Young children. Are you a parent? Then here’s something else to know: The flu Healthy habits matter too Getting vaccinated doesn’t guaran- tee you won’t get the flu, though it may make the flu milder if you do get sick. For added protection from the flu: Scrub away germs. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 30 seconds. That’s roughly how long it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. If soap and water aren’t handy, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Sanitize surfaces. Disinfect any surface or object that might be contaminated with flu germs. Keep your hands away from your face. The most common way to catch the flu is to touch your eyes, nose or mouth with germy hands. Keep your distance. Try not to get too close to anyone who has the flu. Additional source: American Lung Association