Who Is Most At Risk for The Flu and Is There A Preventative Measure
The Flu,
which is a viral disease caused by the various
strains of the influenza virus tends to occur
with the highest rates between the months of the
October and May. It lasts from three to five days
and can be followed by fatigue for two or three
weeks. And while the flu itself is not a severe
illness, it can sometimes lead to the development
of severe illnesses such as Pneumonia, nerve and
brain damage, and even death in extreme cases.
There is not a particular group that can be
said to be affected by influenza, this being due
to the fact that any and everyone can become infected
by it. Chances for infection, however, tend to
be comparatively higher in people who are generally
not healthy. Known as “high risk”
individuals, these people should be immunized
as urgently as possible. The following is a list
of the people who typically conform to the characteristics
of high risk individuals:
- People who are at advanced stages of their
lives [65 years old and over] as well as people
already suffering from conditions such of the
heart and lungs. These are conditions such as
asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and tuberculosis.
- In addition to elder age groups children
from the ages of 6 to 23 months, in addition
the pregnant women are also classified high
risk individuals during the influenza season.
- People with diabetes and/or other chronic
metabolic disorder patients, people suffering
from severe anemia, and people undergoing particular
treatments that tend to suppress the immunity
are also within the high risk group.
- Medical staffs, understandably, are also
at a very high risk of contracting the infection.
In other words we can say that influenza tends
to be especially severe and dangerous for the
elderly people. And it is worse, moreover, when
they live in residential homes, where there is
a higher risk of contracting the virus via contact
with others.
The best way to prevent the influenza virus from
infecting you is, to get a flu vaccine each fall,
for which there are two options available in the
United State. The first option is the flu shot
which involves injecting the vaccine into the
person. This develops protection in patient’s
body in the form of substances called antibodies.
It is very beneficial for those who are over 65
or in high-risk group of people. The second available
vaccine option is a pharmaceutical product called
Flu Mist, which is a nasal spray approved for
influenza vaccination. However, although it has
been approved by the FDA, Flu Mist has proven
rather unsafe for particular high risk groups.
It is important moreover, considering that the
influenza viruses have the ability to change every
year that people must be vaccinated every year.
Also, it is essential to keep in mind that some
people should not be vaccinated. Those have allergy
to chicken eggs, for instance, mustn’t take
vaccinations as most vaccines include the part
of the egg as a vital ingredient. Moreover, vaccination
is also not a good idea for children less than
1 year of age, and individuals who have fever;
they can and must get vaccinated letter.
Other ways to protect oneself from influenza
(flu) include medications as well as habits for
good health. And while some common medication
for influenza include such drugs as Amantadine,
Rimantadine and Oseltamivir, it is crucial that
high-risk people must consult their doctor before
using any medications. Some general points which
can be very helpful for all people, high-risk
group as well as others and others, include:
- Covering your nose and mouth.
- Washing your hand with soap and water as
much as possible.
- Trying not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth
unless absolutely necessary.
|
