How to Live to be 100
Flu Vacinations
This article was first published in Health View, November 2003.
Another November has arrived. Looking down at my wedding band, I remember to whom it belonged—my grandfather McIntire who died in the flu epidemic of 1918, orphaning my mother before she was born. His last penned words written on a one-cent postcard from Avery Island, Louisiana: "Agnes, this cough is really getting my goat." The flu kept my Grandpa McIntire and many others from living to be 100.
With no antibiotics available to treat the post-influenza bacterial pneumonia, the flu killed millions worldwide. Back then pneumonia was often called the "old man's friend," because it was a "gentle killer." We now have no excuse to die from the flu. I recommend my patients in their "golden years" and those who have a chronic disease to take the flu shot yearly. The inhaled vaccine is now available for those who are allergic to the injectable. The inhaled nasal spray costs about $50, but that is money well spent to stave off the "old man's friend."
Though not likely, you can still get the flu even if you have been vaccinated. Also, there are many other bugs going around in the winter months that you don't want to catch. Read on for some good tips on protecting yourself during "cold and flu season."
Wash your hands frequently, especially when returning home. Lots of germs are picked up opening and closing doors at stores, offices, hospitals, and public bathrooms. When visiting the hospital use the disinfectant spray or gel on the wall next to the door on entering and leaving the room. Avoid sitting close to someone who is coughing. It is also a great idea to keep your fingers away from your nose and mouth. Licking your finger before you turn a page is a great way to spread germs. That is a habit I had to break after picking up a virus last winter.
We are fast reaching a time when our medicines are not going to keep pace with the diseases. Vaccination has been our salvation from infectious diseases. However, it seems every time we conquer an infectious disease, a new and more vicious one takes its place. This certainly motivates me to be healthy.
Vaccinations protect the population. Good nutrition protects the individual. The flu vaccine is only 50-75 percent effective on an individual basis. From a population standpoint, it limits the number of people who can transfer the illness and therefore prevents epidemics. For the vaccination to work on an individual, that person must have a strong immune system. This is achieved by eating healthy foods, taking supplements and exercising.
Also remember to take the pneumonia shot every five to ten years if you are a senior citizen or have a chronic disease like asthma or diabetes. It will not prevent all pneumonias, but it will prevent many strains of "pneumococcal" pneumonia. This organism is rapidly developing resistance to antibiotics.
The flu kills. As we get older and people survive longer with chronic diseases, the flu presents more of a threat to our longevity. If there is a chance that the flu could devastate your health, it would be wise to make sure that those you are around regularly have been vaccinated. A person who can't get the flu can't pass it on to you. As always, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Until next month, keep making healthy choices.
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