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We are supposed to start offering the flu vaccine when it becomes available. In my office, it became available in September. I offered the vaccine, however it was very hard to persuade those that declined the vaccine knowing I had not gotten mine. I got my vaccine last week.

It is estimated that the flu killed over 80,000 people during the last flu season. The flu vaccine is important for everyone but there are people who are at high risk of developing complications related to the flu – they include:

• Children younger than 5 years old
• Adults 65 years of age and older
• Pregnant women (and women up to two weeks postpartum)
• Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• American Indians and Alaska Natives
• People who chronic medical conditions including – Asthma, chronic lung disease, heart disease, Sickle cell disease, diabetes, kidney failure, liver disorders, cancer, HIV or AIDS, extreme obesity

How do you protect yourself from the flu?

1. GET THE FLU VACCINE – Please click here for frequently asked question regarding the flu vaccine for the 2018-19 season.
2. Stay away from people who are sick with the flu.
3. Wash your hands often – if soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It should contain at least 60% alcohol.
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth – germs spread when you touch something contaminated and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Wipe down with disinfectant items used by many people – the computer and telephone for example.
5. Get your rest – it is important especially during this time to get enough sleep.
6. Exercise regularly.
7. Manage your stress – try meditation.
8. Scrape your tongue– see previous blog titled Add Tongue Scraping to your Oral Hygiene Routine.
9. Eat a balanced nutritious diet, including foods rich in vitamin C and zinc.
10. If prescribed an antiviral medication, take as directed.

Please do no delay – GET YOUR FLU VACCINE.