Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Tips for Flu Prevention


Runny noses, fevers, and sore throats aren’t the most likely items to end up on Christmas lists this year.

To avoid the flu and its associated symptoms, it is necessary to take measures that are not often considered joyful or merry.

One of the most effective measures taken to prevent the virus is also one of the most painful: the flu shot.

“[The vaccination] is about 70 percent effective,” said infectious disease expert MaryAnn Tran, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine at Michigan State and medical director of infection prevention at Sparrow Hospital. “And it’s the best way to prevent the flu.”

Flu vaccination clinics are offered by MSU’s Olin Health center as well as local pharmacies, such as CVS, in an effort to make the process as convenient as possible for students.

In addition to the vaccination, good hygienic habits, especially proper hand washing, are important when it comes to flu prevention, as the easiest way to spread the virus is via contact, be it direct or indirect.

Other measures to avoid getting the flu include: getting enough sleep, hydrating often, and staying active, but taking it easy when the symptoms start to appear. 

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