Don’t Let Flu Season Stress You Out

	Tweet

As the weather turns brisk and flu season begins, bad memories of last year’s H1N1pandemic may start surfacing. Luckily, microbiologist John Tudor, Ph.D., professor of biology at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, anticipates a less violent outbreak of the virus this year.

“There should be increased resistance to H1N1due to both natural immunity for those who were infected last year, and to artificial immunity for those who received the H1N1 vaccine. I also anticipate that more people will be vaccinated this year, which should reduce the infection rate even more,” Tudor says.

In terms of staying healthy throughout the colder months, Tudor cautions that stress may increase susceptibility to influenza. “High psychological stress levels have been associated with an expanded vulnerability to respiratory infections, and infected people who are stressed may also experience more severe symptoms,” he says. 

Tudor adds that while all age groups are at risk, both the very young and very old are more likely to come down with the flu due to immune systems that have either not fully developed or have become diminished.

To better protect senior citizens, a new vaccine was developed in late 2009. “Fluzone High-Dose (HD) improves immune response to influenza in people over age 65,” Tudor says. The injection has four times the amount of antigens, but Tudor notes that adverse effects are the same as single strength Fluzone. Tudor adds that both vaccines protect against H1N1, H3N2 and a type B influenza virus.

While the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) changed its recommendations for flu vaccinations to include all age groups, Tudor does not see this as preparation for an especially rough flu season. He cites a “shift in the thinking of the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices away from recommending protection for the most vulnerable to protecting all groups of people whether they fall in the most vulnerable category or not.”

Tudor recommends several steadfast and true tips for staying healthy this season:

• Relax to reduce stress, but get vaccinated. This is the best way to protect yourself and those close to you from getting the flu.
• Wash your hands often, and try not to touch your eyes, mouth or nose, which are the entry areas for the virus.
• When you cough or sneeze, use a tissue if possible, otherwise cough or sneeze into your elbow/upper arm area.
• If you get sick, stay home to avoid spreading illness to others.

###

Source:  Saint Joseph’s University

RELATED STORIES:
Low health literacy associated with greater variability in following prescription drug instructions   Lawmakers criticize White House drug war budget   Influenza monitoring by the US military   Powell, in Kenya, meets youths who fight HIV/AIDS   Got the Flu? You Might Pass It on to Your Pet   EU needs new chemical rules to halt toxic fish: WWF   Scientist attacks Britain’s bird flu preparation   Steve Jobs died of respiratory arrest, tumor   China urges smoking doctors to quit the habit   Bird flu kills Thai youth amid new outbreaks   Scientists solve puzzle of flu virus replication   Nurse suspended after patient dies at South LA hospital

Comments

[ + Post Your Own ]

Now you're in the public comment zone. What follows is not Armenian Medical Network's stuff; it comes from other people and we don't vouch for it. A reminder: By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.

There are no comments for this entry yet. [ + Comment here + ]