With the Fall and Winter comes the Flu, unfortunately. Although the incidence of flu across the United States is low at the moment, this does not mean it is not coming. Seasonal flu season is approaching and some people are more at risk than others. Staying educated on how the flu can affect you and its occurrence in your area is important. It is not just your age that makes you more vulnerable to getting it either. Conditions, factors, and types of flu play a role.
These conditions put you at higher risk:
- Liver and kidney disorders
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Endocrine disorders
- Lung disease
- Blood disorders
These factors also increase your vulnerability:
- If you are younger than 19 and on long-term aspirin treatment
- If you are pregnant
- If you have a compromised immune system due to chronic illnesses like leukemia
- If you are on immune-system suppressing medications like steroids
- If you work around children or are in contact with many people in your employment
- If you are American Indian or an Alaska native
These are some types of flu that can affect humans:
- Seasonal
- Pandemic
- Swine
- Avian
- Animal to Human
Preventative measures:
- Get your flu shot
- Avoid close contact with others
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly
- Wipe down equipment at the gym
- Stay home from work or school if you have the flu
- Keep your home and work area clean
- Keep your hands away from eyes, nose, mouth
In the Rogue Valley, you can get the flu shot from medical providers and at these retail locations:
- Rite-Aid
- Bi-Mart
- Albertson’s
You can call 211 or use the Flu Vaccine Finder on the Oregon Health Flu Prevention website below to find a location near you:
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PreventionWellness/FluPrevention/Pages/index.aspx