While, for most of us, getting the flu means suffering through discomfort and missing several days from school or work, influenza presents some serious potential health risks, and each year 12,000 to 56,000 people die from complications associated with the flu. To reduce the risk of infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide these three tips for avoiding the flu:
Three Tips for Avoiding the Flu
1. Get Your Annual Flu Shot.
The CDC recommends that everyone age six months and older get an annual flu shot, unless their doctor recommends otherwise. The CDC calls the annual flu shot the “first and most important step” in preventing the spread of the flu, and it estimates that flu shots prevent millions of infections every year.
While the CDC recommends that everyone get vaccinated against the flu prior to November, flu season often runs through the end of May. As a result, it is not too late to get your flu shot for the 2016-2017 flu season.
2. Take Preventive Action Against the Spread of Germs.
Along with getting vaccinated, the CDC recommends a number of other preventive measures as well. In order to avoid coming into contact with the virus and to help prevent the spread of infection:
- Avoid close contact with those who have the flu;
- Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus; and
- Follow the CDC’s Everyday Preventive Actions for reducing your risk of infection.
3. Seek Treatment When You Get the Flu.
Finally, if you get the flu, seeking prompt treatment can help mitigate your symptoms and reduce the overall severity and duration of your infection. Doctors typically prescribe antiviral drugs for individuals diagnosed with the flu, and these medications have proven to be most effective when taken within two days of the onset of symptoms. Limiting contact with others while you have the flu can also help prevent the spread of the disease and reduce your chances of coming into contact with the disease again in the future.
A Word of Caution: The Risk of Flu Shot Injuries
Importantly, while the flu shot is generally considered safe and has proven to be an effective defense against infection, it is not without risks. Along with the risk of anaphylaxis from an allergic reaction, flu shots have been linked to shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA), Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and other vaccine-related illnesses and injuries. Before getting vaccinated, you should understand the risks involved, and talk to your doctor if you have questions about whether the flu vaccine is the best choice for you.
Pain After Flu Shot? Contact Us for a Free Consultation
In most cases, pain is among the first signs of a potentially-serious illness or injury resulting from an annual flu shot. If you or a loved one has experienced pain following a vaccination, you may be entitled to financial compensation from the government. For a free consultation about your legal rights, call (202) 800-1711 or contact the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant online today.
Leah Durant Bio
Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.
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