More Flu

Dec 8-14 is National Influenza Vaccination Week. As long as the flu is circulating you can still benefit from an immunization. Flu season typically starts in the fall and peaks in January/February. Influenza activity is beginning to increase in Connecticut and has been classified geographically as “sporadic.”  For the last week of November, fewer than 1% of outpatient visits were labeled as influenza-type illness. This number will certainly soon go up.

Lots of information can be found at flu.gov. There are excellent discussions about the flu vaccine, what exactly is the flu and how to care for someone with the flu. Changes to a woman’s immune systems during pregnancy make her especially sensitive the flu.  This is why it is so important for a pregnant woman to get a flu shot to protect her and her baby.

In addition to the flu shot, there are a couple of common sense actions that will reduce your risk of catching the flu. If at all possible, avoid contact with sick people. Stay out of the way of errant sneezers! Meticulous hand washing is always important. Be sure to have very clean hands before touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Soap and water is best but the alcohol based hand rubs are acceptable.