Our Ask An Angel correspondent is Arlene Petersen, Certified Senior Advisor and Life Care Navigation Specialist in the area of senior home care.
Q. What can I do to keep from getting the flu? I did get my flu shot, but a few of my friends have gotten it, even though they were immunized.
A. Many states have been hit hard by the flu epidemic, and Illinois is one of them. The flu season is expected to last 13 weeks, and we are now in the sixth week of the season, according to ABC medical editor Dr. Richard Besser. Those most at risk are the very young and the elderly. As for effectiveness, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has reported that the vaccine doesn’t offer much protection against the flu because the predominant strain, H3N2 has mutated since the vaccine was created and manufactured. Doctors still recommend that folks get immunized, but you can be proactive as well. Keep yourself healthy by staying away from those who might be sick. That means little ones, like grandchildren, who are sick. At home, make sure you wipe down surfaces with disinfectant. This means door knobs, refrigerator handles, and countertops. Hand towels can harbor germs, so use paper towels for drying hands. Stay home if you have flu-like symptoms, so you don’t infect others. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue as much as possible and make sure to wash your hands often with soap and water. Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes, and mouth, this is where germs can spread and make you sick. Talk to your doctor about the flu vaccine and what you can do to keep yourself and other family members healthy. If you have not gotten the shot, discuss it with him or her to see if it is still an option for you to get immunized.
Have a question for our angel correspondent? You can send our angel an email to apetersen@visitingangels.com or send your question via mail to Ask An Angel, 65 Woodbury St., South Elgin, IL 60177.
