Getting Through the Flu Season

Every year, influenza or flu makes its way around the globe, sickening millions, causing health complications for those who are vulnerable and killing thousands of patients. Vulnerable patients include infants, health-care workers, the elderly, those with compromised immune systems and people suffering from pulmonary illnesses such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) formulates a new vaccine based on strains of the flu making people sick in a given year. Contrary to popular belief, the flu vaccine doesn’t “give” you the flu. It’s made from a dead virus and grown in chicken eggs so it can be made in the quantities needed. Instead, the vaccine causes a mild reaction in some people. Some reaction symptoms include a mild fever and pain at the injection site.

Last year’s H1N1 flu was predicted to become the next big flu pandemic, but because of the level of information being shared between countries, the World Health Organization and medical personnel, this flu wound up having less of an impact than feared. This Flu Guide will help you understand what the flu is, how it infects you and how you can protect yourself and your family when this year’s flu season starts.