The document discusses several key facts regarding the flu:
1) The flu vaccine does not cause the flu and is the best way to build antibodies against the virus, though it takes 2 weeks to take full effect. Many people mistakenly think they got the flu from the vaccine if they get sick before full protection kicks in.
2) Antibiotics do not work against the flu or common cold since they are viral illnesses rather than bacterial.
3) While the elderly are at higher risk of flu complications, people aged 18-64 make up 57% of flu hospitalizations, challenging the perception that only the old are at risk. As caregivers for the elderly, young people need to take precautions to
1. The Facts Regarding the Flu
Flu season is all about to formally finish, but it seems we're never sound and safe from viruses that
cause the cold and flu. As the southern part of the country was hit hard in the past few weeks with
all the worst weather it's experienced in a long time, I found myself glued to the Weather Channel.
As the meteorologists reviewed the nations drab winter scenario over and over again, the channel
sometimes broke in with "Facts regarding the Flu". Therefore I take up these opinions from much of
the information seen on the show.
The flu vaccine doesn't cause the flu. Being a real nurse, as well as a yearly receiver of the influenza
vaccine, I found it intriguing that as many as 175 million Americans opt out of the vaccine.
Particularly since this vaccine is the main method to restrain the sickness. The flu vaccine provides
the body using a means to become used to particular viruses and fight back by building antibodies.
Here is another fascinating fact, the segment went on to share that if individuals happened to
contract the flu before that point, since it takes at least 2 weeks to construct these antibodies, it is a
standard mistake to presume the vaccine was the cause.
Antibiotics usually do not battle influenza and the common cold. Another common response is for
people who contract the cold or influenza virus to run with their doctors looking for antibiotic
prescriptions. Antibiotics only work on bacterial diseases which are genetically different from
viruses so antibiotics are a poor decision to combat the common cold that is a virus.
Everyone is at an increased risk for the flu. The application segment additionally stated a fact that
was second that the general public considers that only the elderly are at an increased risk for the
flu. And while the one who is 65 and older is in the age group with the biggest variety of deaths from
the flu, it's a younger people, between the ages of 18-64, infected with these viruses who take up
57% of the hospital beds in The United States. Isn't that astounding! 57% of hospital admissions for
influenza are from the population that is younger. Interesting fact since people in this age group are
normally the caregivers for the elderly residents. As caregivers, we know we need to manage our
surroundings, to ensure that people can continue the rigorous efforts of caregiving and keep a
degree of health.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/flu.html
So in review, it makes good sense to take the flu vaccine every year. Look at the research, in case
you dodged flu this year minus the vaccine and think next year, about getting the immunization.
Research is about the right or left side of the influenza vaccine!
If this year after your best efforts to prevent the cold or influenza, you get worn out and without
energy, do not hesitate to seek help. A few of the best short term support can come from places
including personal care private duty services. Give yourself a rest, investigate the options, ask
questions, seek some help in a pickle and before you find yourself exhausted!
senior care flu facts