This happened before I read about the recent report published in The Lancet that noted current flu vaccines might not be as effective as once believed.
The report called for the future development of "more highly effective and cross-protective vaccines." In the meantime, flu experts responded to the report with reassurances: Some protection is better than none, they said. And I totally agree. Every year, between 2,000 and 8,000 Canadians die of the flu and its complications. So roll up your sleeve and get the vaccine.
Nonetheless, my getting sick and the recent report have taught me that I shouldn't depend entirely on the flu shot. The vaccine is but one tool to fight the flu. Yet, if you're like me, you may have thought the flu shot would protect you even as your co-workers cough in your face and sneeze on your reports. It won't.
If you work in a large setting, travel in crowded subways and planes or have contact with kids who have runny noses, you will run into zillions of cold and flu viruses from now through to March - our typical flu season. So along with getting your flu shot, protect yourself further:
· Boost your immune system. Windsor, Ont., naturopath Sara Henderson, also a consultant to vitamin manufacturer Jamieson Laboratories, has recommended a daily anti-flu supplement regime to clients who want to build extra protection. Posted on www.jamiesonvitamins.com, it includes a high potency vitamin C, a probiotic, 1,000 IU of vitamin D, plus an anti-flu product (popular ones are Echinacea, Cold-FX and FluShield.)
· Clean like a maniac. A recent British study for Lysol disinfectant noted good hygiene habits are the best defence against spreading infectious diseases. The study, which included people from 12 countries, said people with more neurotic behaviour were more likely to be better at hygiene. Viruses can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours. So scrub your kitchen counters, spray your phones and wipe off your desk. "Regular disinfection of hygiene hotspots is crucial for reducing the Спрэд of bacteria in the home," says Dr. Donald Low, microbiologist-in-chief at Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital, who commented on the study. Germ hotspots in the home also include TV remotes, door handles, light switches - and, well, practically anything you and others might touch.
· Sick? Stay home instead of spreading it around. Researchers at Queen's University found 83% of participants in one survey on work and illness said they continued to attend work or school while experiencing symptoms of the flu. One-fifth of Canadians ignore symptoms altogether. In their report, entitled Why the Common Cold and Flu Matter, researchers noted it costs employers twice as much in productivity losses for employees who come to work sick than for those who stay home.
· Don't touch. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and when you're sick keep your distance from others (also think of wearing a face mask.) More good advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Think about it: A virus has landed on a door knob, you turn the handle, then rub your eyes. My ear, nose and throat doctor puts it another way when it comes to protecting your ears from viruses: Never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear.
· Wash your hands -- often. A great list on flu prevention can be found at www.tylenol.ca. Washing your hands is the simplest and most effective way of protecting yourself. Use warm water and soap; briskly rub your hands together for a count of 20, washing in between your fingers, around your nails and the back of your hands. Wipe them dry with a paper towel or hand dryer; if possible, use the towel to turn off the tap. Hand sanitizers? Probably the best thing since sliced bread.
Got the Flu?
According to www.mayoclinic.com, the flu may initially seem like a common cold. But colds develop slowly, whereas the flu tends to come on suddenly. Common flu symptoms: Fever over 38C, aching muscles, chills and sweats, headache, dry cough, fatigue, nasal congestion.
When to Wash?
Wash your hands before eating; before, during and after preparing food; after contact with blood or body fluids; after changing a diaper; after going to the bathroom; after touching something such as a trashcan that could be contaminated; before inserting contact lenses. For more, visit www.cdc.gov/cleanhands.
Find out about everything from kids' vaccines to tracking the flu at the following websites:
Top five flu myths as reported by Harvard Medical School (none of them are true):
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