According to the CDC approximately five to twenty percent of the United States population get the flu each year, and of those infected nearly 36,000 people die from complications And more often times than not that five to twenty percent either did not get the flu shot, or they were not keenly aware of how to prevent the onset of the flu.
A simple virus of the nose, throat, or lungs can mutate into a more complex virus known as the flu.
And just like any cold-like viruses, the flu spreads from one person to the next when the infected person carelessly sneezes, cough or does any kind of exchange of bodily fluids with another. It is especially important to prevent coming in contact with someone who has the flu, but if you do, it is crucial that you take proper precautions by washing your hands thoroughly.
Besides the flu shot, there are other ways to prevent the flu. If you are not particularly fond of needles, then there are other ways to help prevent the flu. FluMist is a flu vaccine that is delivered in nasal spray form. FluMist underwent years of testing so they could approve it, and now it is recommended for people aged 2 to 49.
FluMist contains live, but weakened cultures of the flu virus. There have not been any serious reported complications from FluMist, but common side effect include: runny nose, headache, cough, or sore throat. But the side effects are very minimal as opposed to the symptoms of the flu itself.
Because children have weaker immune systems than adults, their side effects to FluMist may include vomiting, muscle aches, and fever. But the side effects again still outweigh the symptoms of the flu.
Like the flu shot, FluMist helps to prevent the worsening of your symptoms. It is important to remember that the flu strain changes every year, thus it is critically important to update your flu shot each year as the strains and vaccinations will change yearly.
If you wish to learn about more ways you can prevent the flu virus from getting you, be sure you speak with your healthcare physician who can give you plenty of information.
FluMist is just one alternative the common flu shot, but its becoming one of the more effective treatments in helping to prevent the seasonal flu virus.