Every winter, the flu season descends over Pennsylvania and throughout the United States, and it can seem impossible to escape. Ubiquitous items like door handles or shopping carts present opportunities for transmission, and the sniffling of coworkers and classmates certainly won’t put your mind at ease. The flu packs a potent punch that will at least make you feel miserable for a few days – but at its worst, it could put your life in danger. Fortunately, whether you live in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or anywhere between, there are many steps you can take to stay healthy during flu season.

As you may already know, one of the surest ways to keep yourself healthy during the Pennsylvania flu season is to have a current flu shot. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases states that most people six years or older should receive a flu vaccination, and it is recommended specifically for people who are at an increased risk of contracting it or are likely to have serious complications should they catch the flu. Vulnerable segments of the society include people 65 and older, pregnant women, people with respiratory problems such as asthma, people with diabetes, and people living in assisted care facilities. Health care workers, caregivers, and people sharing a household with at-risk individuals should also receive a shot in order to protect the health of those around them.

When people decide to roll up their sleeves and receive the shot, they’re contributing to herd immunity. That means that because they aren’t carriers for the flu, they won’t infect others – which can help protect others who haven’t received the vaccination. That said, there are also some people who shouldn’t receive the shot. Babies under six months old shouldn’t receive it, nor should people who have an allergy to chicken eggs, or those who have had a bad reaction to a flu shot during seasons past. Also, if you are sick and have a fever, you should hold off on having the shot until you recover because the flu vaccine can cause low-grade fevers in some people.

Even if you can and do receive the vaccine yearly, it’s not a guarantee that you won’t get the flu. To keep the bug at bay, you should also take more conventional precautions, such as washing your hands with soap frequently. The NIAID also recommends that you avoid contact with your nose, mouth, and eyes because it’s extremely easy to transmit germs to these areas. If you do come down with an illness, you should be sure to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer afterward. Make an effort avoid unnecessary contact with others, so they won’t get sick, which means staying home for at least a day after your fever has subsided. Of course, if your fever is accompanied with the telltale exhaustion, headaches, and chills that come with the flu, you can expect to feel lousy for an entire week or so.

If you know that you’ve contracted the flu, chances are that you will recover without medical attention beyond over-the-counter medications. However, if you or someone you love is a member of the at-risk groups mentioned earlier, you should call or visit your health care provider as soon as possible because you (or your loved one) may be in danger of developing complications if you don’t receive proper care. Although you might be tempted to avoid the doctor’s office, remember that between 3,000 to 49,000 people die across the country every year due to the flu itself or its symptoms.

By following some common sense instructions and receiving a flu shot, you’ll improve your chances of making it through flu season without taking a sick day.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health and nutrition.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topic. Learn more at http://www.healthgrades.com/group-directory/pennsylvania-pa/wayne/laser-spine-institute-9961d422

Author Bio: Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health and nutrition.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: health, flu, flu season, illness