Can the Flu Be Prevented?

One of the most effective ways to prevent the flu is with the flu vaccine and simple flu prevention measures. In this article, I will go over how the flu can be prevented. So, can the flu be prevented? These are CDC flu prevention resources.

The most effective ways to prevent the flu are the vaccine, good hand washing, and antiviral medications. Cold and flu prevention in the workplace should be implemented.

Influenza Vaccine

According to studies, people who get the flu vaccine are less likely to contract the flu. Of course, the flu vaccine is not 100% effective. However, if a person gets the flu and they have taken the flu vaccine, their symptoms are lessened.

Who Should Get Vaccinated For the Flu?

The flu vaccine is recommended for all people six months or older. The flu shot is recommended for the following groups:

People who are over 50 years old. These people tend to have more comorbidities such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
People who have chronic heart and lung conditions. We know that people who have heart and lung problems have worse outcomes with the flu.

People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities should get the vaccine. This is because of the closed environment.
People who have an autoimmune disease or who have had organ transplants should get the flu vaccine. These people have a decreased immune system.
Pregnant women should also take the vaccine. The vaccine has been shown not to hurt the developing baby.

Healthcare workers should take the vaccine.

How Often Should You Get the Flu Vaccine?

The flu season is seasonal from October to March. The flu virus tends to mutate from year to year. Therefore, the flu vaccine is made yearly from the strain from the previous year. So the flu shot needs to be taken every year.

How Soon is the Flu Vaccine Effective?

When you take the flu vaccine, your body immediately starts to make antibodies. It takes about 2 weeks to get enough antibodies for protection. Even then, the flu vaccine protects 50 to 80 percent of the people who take the flu vaccine.

Nurse Musings

As a cardiac nurse, I see my share of heart and lung disorders. I see some very sick people. Often times they are fighting for their lives.

I know vaccines are controversial. I truly understand. However, now we have two menaces: the flu and COVID 19 infection.

Patients with heart and lung disorders don’t do well with the flu or COVID. Please do your research. The flu can be prevented with simple precautions.

Where does the flu go in the summer?

There are a few cases of the flu in the summer. The flu virus does not thrive in hot weather. The flu virus loves the cold that is why you see more in the winter time.