Written By Kassie the ecoPharmacist. On Nov 01. In Health and Wellness

Get vaccinated against flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• More than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized from flu-related complications each year, including 20,000 children younger than age 5.
• Flu-associated deaths number in the thousands each year. Between 1976 and 2006, the estimated number of flu-related deaths every year ranged from about 3,000 to about 49,000.

Flu vaccine, available as a shot or a nasal spray, remains the best way to prevent and control influenza. The best time to get a flu vaccination is from October through November, although getting it in December and January is not too late. A new flu shot is needed every year because the predominant flu viruses may change every year.

All people 6 months of age and older should be vaccinated. However, you should talk to your health care professional before getting vaccinated if you

• have certain allergies, especially to eggs
• have an illness, such as pneumonia
• have a high fever
• are pregnant

Flu vaccination for health care workers is urged because unvaccinated workers can be a primary cause of outbreaks in health care settings.

Certain people are more at risk for developing complications from flu; they should be immunized as soon as vaccine is available. These groups include:

• people 65 and older
• residents of nursing homes or other places that house people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and heart disease
• adults and children with heart or lung disorders, including asthma
• adults and children who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes), kidney dysfunction, a weakened immune system, or disorders caused by abnormalities of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen)
• young people ages 6 months to 18 years receiving long-term aspirin therapy, and who as a result might be at risk for developing Reye’s syndrome after being infected with influenza (See aspirin information in the section “Taking OTC Products.”)

Note that only one vaccine is needed for the 2010-2011 influenza season.

During last flu season, two different vaccines were needed; one to prevent seasonal influenza and another to protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. This year’s seasonal flu vaccine protects against three strains of influenza, including the 2009 H1N1 flu virus.

Also, a vaccine specifically for people 65 years and older is available this year. Called Fluzone High-Dose, this vaccine induces a stronger immune response and is intended to better protect the elderly against seasonal influenza.

This vaccine—which was approved by FDA in 2009—was developed because the immune system typically becomes weaker with age, leaving people at increased risk of seasonal flu-related complications which may lead to hospitalization and death.

Wash your hands often. Teach children to do the same. Both colds and flu can be passed through coughing, sneezing, and contaminated surfaces, including the hands.

CDC recommends regular washing of your hands with warm, soapy water for about 15 seconds.

FDA says that while soap and water are undoubtedly the first choice for hand hygiene, alcohol-based hand rubs may be used if soap and water are not available. However, the agency cautions against using the alcohol-based rubs when hands are visibly dirty. This is because organic material such as dirt or blood can inactivate the alcohol, rendering it unable to kill bacteria.

Try to limit exposure to infected people. Keep infants away from crowds for the first few months of life. This is especially important for premature babies who may have underlying abnormalities such as lung or heart disease.

Practice healthy habits.

• Eat a balanced diet.
• Get enough sleep.
• Exercise. It can help the immune system better fight off the germs that cause illness.
• Do your best to keep stress in check.

Also, people who use tobacco or who are exposed to secondhand smoke are more prone to respiratory illnesses and more severe complications than nonsmokers.