As we have been talking about traveling, holidays, family, and friends, it seems we will be exposed to the flu more often than any other time of year. Here is some food for thought on the flu and how to prevent it.
Because influenza and the cold are both respiratory infections caused by viruses, and some of the symptoms are similar, it can sometimes be difficult to tell if you have the flu or a terrible cold. However, colds rarely produce the headaches, high fever, muscle aches, and extreme exhaustion associated with the flu. Cold symptoms generally isolate themselves to increased nasal secretions (get out your tissues), soreness of the throat (which is less common for the flu) and a hacking cough.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states: "Epidemics of influenza typically occur during the winter months and are responsible for an average of approximately 20,000 deaths per year in the United States." Although most of the individuals who die from flu complications are over 65 years of age, opting for vaccination can save you from an unpleasant bout of winter sickness and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to vulnerable individuals.
