Doctors Optimistic for Flu Season
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Doctors are holding their breath hoping to not see a repeat of last year’s flu outbreak.
As you may recall this time last year the flu was dominating news headlines.
This time, not so much.
While it’s too soon to tell if the vaccine will remain effective throughout the season, I spoke with a doctor at Essentia who shared a few tips to avoid the bug.
It’s that time of year again, flu season and doctors have one piece of advice.
“One single most thing that you can do to prevent from us getting the flu, is a flu shot,” says Dr. Prakash Kafle, who specializes in infectious diseases.
And while the flu season is already underway, it’s never too late to get your shot.
“As long as the flu season is not over, it’s always good to take the flu vaccine,” says Kafle.
A typical flu season runs from the end of October and can last up until May. For this season, so far, it’s looking good.
“Last year the flu was kind of ramping up early in the season,” says Mike Glessing, a pharmacist at MD Pharmacy.
“Unlike last year’s flu shot, this year’s is supposed to be more accurate. So I’m hoping I don’t get the flu.”
“We’re not seeing the large outbreaks of the flu, so with that we’re definitely thinking the vaccine is protecting people better than last year’s vaccine,” says Glessing.
After you get the shot, you may suffer from a minor cough or runny nose. But to set the record clear, the flu shot doesn’t get you sick.
“Those symptoms that we are talking about from the flu shot, hardly last 24 to 48 hours,” says Kafle.
But if you do come down with a case of the flu, don’t panic.
“For a normal, healthy person you don’t have to see a doctor,” says Kafle.
Instead, Dr. Kafle prescribes plenty of rest, water and if necessary some Tylenol. But of course, the best way to prevent it is to get your shot.
Dr. Kafle says not to underestimate the power of washing your hands and coughing into your elbow or a tissue.
It’s just another way to prevent a flu season like last year.
