Flu season is on the horizon, and health experts are highlighting how imperative it is that you know how to protect yourself and others.
Influenza viruses typically spread in the United States on a yearly basis, usually from the late fall through the early spring. Most people who become sick with the flu virus recover without serious complications. However, the flu can be associated with serious illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths—particularly among older adults, young children, pregnant women, and anyone that may live with a chronic medical condition, according to the CDC.
With the COVID-19 Pandemic showing no signs of slowing down and no vaccine currently available for the public, health experts are particularly concerned about the impact of the 2020 flu season on the general public as well as how medical facilities may face the challenge of patient overload.
According to the CDC there is also a concern about how similar the symptoms of the two viruses are. The common indications of COVID-19 are a fever, cough, and upper respiratory complications that cause issues with breathing. All of these symptoms can also occur with the flu. The CDC states that they are still unsure as to what extent the Coronavirus will circulate over the course of the 2020–2021 flu season.
Nonetheless, as the COVID-19 pandemic aligns with the onset and circulation of the flu viruses during the upcoming fall and winter, the CDC is highlighting the importance of a flu shot.
Health experts say people ages 6 months and older can get a flu shot and consequently reduce the prevalence of illness caused by the flu which in turn could also reduce symptoms that might be confused with those of COVID-19.
Flu Symptoms
The flu is caused by certain viruses that infect your nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads from person to person when someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks—which is similar to the novel Coronavirus. It’s also possible to get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Symptoms of the flu may include:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Feeling tired
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Fever or feeling feverish
- Having chills
The reduction of the severity of complications related to the flu as well as hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions would also alleviate stress on the U.S. health care system. Guidance for vaccine planning during the pandemic is available on the CDC Website.
Populations at Higher Risk for Complications Due to the Flu
The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months who do not have contraindications should be vaccinated annually. A flu vaccine is particularly important for people who are at an increased risk for severe illness and complications from influenza and for influenza-related outpatient, emergency department, or hospital visits.
Who Is Most At Risk:
- All children ages 6 months through 59 months;
- Anyone over the age of 50
- Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, neurologic, hematologic, or metabolic disorders.
- People with poor functioning immune systems
- Women who are or will be pregnant during the flu season
- Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- People who are considered to be obese based on their Body Mass Index:Â Calculate Your Body Mass Index
How to Protect Yourself From the Flu:
Federal health experts agree that getting a flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting yourself from the flu. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has other recommendations to protect yourself and others from the flu:
- Stay away from people who are sick with the flu.
- If you have the flu, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Try not to touch your nose, mouth, or eyes. This helps keep germs from spreading.
- Clean surfaces and objects that may have flu germs on them
How Nova Vita Wellness Centers can help:
Our popular High Vitamin C infusion drip can help to boost your immune system and regain mental clarity with an infusion of this powerful antioxidant. Research has consistently shown Vitamin C offers a host of health benefits including alleviation of inflammation, supporting the immune system in its fight against disease, and reduction in oxidative stress. To further boost the health properties of the Vitamin C IV Therapy, we have added Zinc to help fortify the immune system. Learn more about this infusion and schedule an appointment now.
Another popular infusion to maintain health, wellness, and a functioning immune system is our Defense Drip. This infusion improves immune health and mental clarity using a cocktail of essential vitamins and nutrients that boost the body’s white blood cell count. The solution is specifically designed to combat common illnesses such as the cold, allergies, and food poisoning, as well as prevent the same illnesses from emerging. Zinc chloride is added to help manage flu-like symptoms.
Most importantly, Nova Vita Wellness Centers offers an infusion specifically tailored toward the influenza virus. Our FluAway Drip uses a specially formulated combination of vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatories to boost your immune system back to its maximum pre-flu state. This can reduce your fever and cough, relieve congestion, and improve the various symptoms associated with the flu. The FluAway IV Therapy provides protection and relief for all stages of the flu.
With flu season on the horizon, we are offering a special discount on our FluAway infusion. Customers can get 30% off if they book an appointment by October 31, 2020.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 512-387-5920, 512-200-7311Â or you can schedule an appointment online.
