FLU PREVENTION |
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A yearly flu vaccine is recommended for
those people in the high-risk categories. The vaccine is also
recommended for people who work with (or live with) others at high
risk.
People at high risk include:
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People over
50 years of age
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Children
aged 6 to 23 months
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Women more
than 3 months pregnant during the flu
season
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Anyone
living in a long-term care facility or
institution
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Anyone with
chronic heart, lung, or kidney
conditions, diabetes, or weakened immune
system
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Anyone can get the flu shot if they
want to lower their chances of getting the flu, as long as they:
Some people, particularly those at
high risk, who have been exposed to influenza may benefit from
antiviral medication and vaccination.
The FluMist nasal spray is an alternative for healthy, non-pregnant
people age 5 to 49 who want to be protected. Unlike the regular
vaccine, it is a live virus. Therefore, it is best if the person
receiving it does not have close contact with people who have a
weakened immune system. Common side effects in children include
runny nose, headache, vomiting, muscle aches and fever. Adults often
have runny nose, sore throats and cough, but no vomiting or fever.
It reduces the chances of getting the flu by 92 percent, resulting
in fewer missed days of work or school, and fewer visits to the
doctor. |
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| FLU RELATED ITEMS |
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