Life with Chronic Conditions: Flu & Ticks

October 1 marks the beginning of flu season. It’s also the second peak time in the year for ticks, so special reminders about both.

The cooler temps and even a first frost, can make it seem like ticks are no longer an issue. However, if you live in the Northeast, ticks that carry Lyme Disease, black legged ticks, can be very abundant early in October and will remain active through the winter as long as the temperatures are above freezing and the ground is not frozen or covered by snow. Follow the CDC guidelines for tick prevention.

Believe it or not, in some parts of the country flu has already arrived. The CDC recommends vaccination by the end of October. For those with chronic health conditions vaccination has been associated with lower rates of some cardiac events among people with heart disease, especially among those who had a cardiac event in the past year. Vaccination has also been shown to be associated with reduced hospitalizations among people with diabetes and chronic lung disease. 

Flu shots not only protect you, but also the people you come in contact with. The more people who are vaccinated the better because it lessens everyone’s chance of exposure to the disease.

Other Flu Considerations:

•  It is recommended that anyone older than 6 months should receive a flu vaccination.

• The nasal spray flu vaccine is a recommended option for non pregnant individuals 2-49 years of age. There is a precaution against the use of the spray for those with underlying medical conditions.

• Serious allergic reactions to flu vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination. While these reactions can be life-threatening, effective treatments are available.

• It takes about 2 weeks after vaccination for protection so plan get vaccinated earlier rather than later. The CDC recommends being vaccinated by the end of October

• If you’re sick with a cold or other mild illness (respiratory or otherwise) and you don’t have a fever, you can get your flu vaccine.  If you have a fever (temp over 99.5ish), the general consensus has always been that you should hold off on getting the flu vaccine until it breaks. 

Where to get free flu shots: Job site; your physician through your health insurance; health department. Check newspapers as well as your local health department’s website for locations of vaccination services. You can also check the HealthMap Vaccine Finder.  Note that Medicare does cover the shot as long as the healthcare provider accepts Medicare.

Cover and Wash: Because flu shots are not 100 percent effective, it’s important to practice Cover and Wash:

• Cover your mouth and nose every time you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue and throw it away. Use your arm (not your hand).

• Observe regular cleaning habits if someone at home has the flu. Pay special attention to doorknobs, faucets, refrigerator handles, phones, smartphones and toys.

• Vaccinate.

• Every time you use a tissue, throw it in the trash and then wash your hands. Skip the antibacterial stuff as it may contribute to the rise in antibiotic resistant bugs.

• Remember not to share anything that goes into the mouth.

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• Wash your hands often and well. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Skip the antibacterial soaps as regular soap and water works fine.

• Avoid contact with sick people.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Have alcohol hand sanitizer on hand if you don’t have access to soap and water.

Other ways to prevent cold and flu:

• Get plenty of sleep-at least six or more hours a day.

• Get sufficient Vitamin D. The sun is a lot less effective in providing Vitamin D during the winter months-peak time for colds and flu-so take a supplement

• Take Exercise Breaks

• Skip the handshake. Fist bumps and elbow bumps are replacing handshakes during cold and flu season. If your really hip, the ‘Namaste’ bow is becoming very popular- put your hands together at chest level, make eye contact and give a little bow

In the Work Place: In addition to practicing Cover & Wash, consider the following

• Use Paper Towels to clean work spaces as they do a better job than sponges and cleaning cloths used previously.

• Use Disinfectant Spray to clean doorknobs, handles, light switches, phones, computer mice, railings, microwave, coffee maker handle, elevator buttons and escalator rails. Note that viruses can live up to 48 hours on plastic and stainless steel surfaces. Identify the germ “hot spots” in your office and make sure they are regularly cleaned.

• Use Hand Sanitizer: Reduce transferring nasty cold and flu germs by using hand sanitizer and using hand sanitizer wipes to clean public surfaces, such as keyboards.

• Don’t share your pens with colleagues as these can be particularly dirty. Helps to carry a pen or two in your pocket.

• Ask your manager to supply the office with the necessary tools to keep the workplace healthy.

• Stay home when you are sick

At Home: In addition to practicing Cover & Wash, consider the following:

• Create a “sick room” where the person who is sick can have all the things they need.

• Sanitize shared items

• Take care of yourself so your resistance isn’t lowered