If you usually skip the flu shot, last year’s flu statistics might make you reconsider. In late 2017 and early 2018, we saw a record number of flu-related hospitalizations, along with 165 pediatric deaths. While the CDC doesn’t predict what any upcoming flu season will bring, their annual advice remains consistent: take vaccination and other preventive measures seriously to minimize the spread of this common and potentially dangerous infection.
As a healthcare provider who interacts with sick individuals daily, this message hits especially close to home. Many of these patients may be immunocompromised, making them more vulnerable to illnesses, or they could be actively battling the flu and acting as carriers. Understanding how to handle the flu effectively is crucial for reducing its impact, so let’s explore some essential factors to keep in mind as flu season approaches.
**The Flu Timeline**
Flu season officially begins in October, and the CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of the month. It takes about two weeks for your body to build full immunity after receiving the shot, so it’s wise to get vaccinated well before the holiday travel rush. Falling ill during the holidays isn’t rare, as flu activity peaks in December and intensifies through February, with February often being the worst month for flu cases. Even after February, flu outbreaks can persist until early May, so maintaining good hygiene practices remains vital even after peak flu season ends.
**Where the Flu Hides**
Preventing flu infections involves reducing the overall presence of the virus in any environment. To do this effectively, it’s important to recognize:
- **Hard Surfaces:** The flu virus loves hanging out on hard surfaces like tables and counters, where it can survive for up to 24 hours. A patient’s sneeze or cough can leave live virus lingering long after they’ve left the area.
- **Hands:** The flu virus only lasts about five minutes on your hands, but since we touch things constantly, those few minutes can feel much longer.
- **Airborne Transmission:** The virus can also float around in the air as droplets for hours. Cooler temperatures can extend the virus’s survival time in this state.
**The 2018 Flu Vaccine**
Since flu strains change annually, each flu season requires its own unique vaccine. This year’s quadrivalent vaccine offers protection against the four most anticipated strains. While anyone who can safely receive the vaccine should, people with egg allergies need to exercise caution due to the vaccine’s composition. According to the CDC:
- If you have an egg allergy, you can still get the vaccine from a qualified healthcare provider.
- Those with severe egg allergies or a history of such reactions should be vaccinated in a monitored healthcare setting equipped to handle possible allergic responses.
**Staying Safe From the Flu**
Proper surface cleaning, excellent hand hygiene, and vaccination are critical in curbing the spread of flu throughout the season. To learn more about controlling harmful microorganisms in your caregiving environment, subscribe to the Ventyv™ blog. Stay informed about advancements in hand hygiene and infection control—before, during, and after flu season.
Read More
Henan chinamian foods CO.LTD , https://www.ooossooo.com