The first snow has fallen across Beijing and while the beautiful, white landscape provided a picturesque backdrop to build snowmen, it also brought with it the beginning of cold and influenza (flu) season. With frostier temperatures fast approaching, now is great time to get vaccinated! Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics (BJU) invites you to come visit any of our facilities to receive your vaccination.
What should I know about the flu? Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness that can infect your nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms often include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and tiredness. It may take a few days from when a person is infected for him or her to show such symptoms, but people with the flu are most contagious when their illness begins. While different groups of people are more susceptible to the flu, children are most likely to get sick. Those younger than 18 are twice as likely to develop symptomatic flu infection compared to adults aged 65 and older [1].The flu virus can be spread quite easily, through kissing, touching, holding hands, or by touching toys, doorknobs, or other handles from other infected people. It can also be spread through the air when a person coughs or sneezes. Complications of the flu can include pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, or more serious conditions.
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Do I need to get the vaccine? The most important step to preventing the flu is to get vaccinated. Since the flu virus itself can change from year to year, it is imperative to get the flu shot each year in order to stay immunized against the current strain of the virus. The flu shot is an effective tool for preventing influenza and its complications, reducing your risk of illness, and potential missed days from the office or school. Even if you are vaccinated and still get sick, the vaccine can reduce the severity of your illness. It can also protect those around you who may be vulnerable to becoming sick, such as babies, older adults, and pregnant women.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children 6 months and older get a flu shot. This vaccine is administered as either a shot, which is safe and effective. The vaccine does not cause flu, but side effects, including mild soreness where the shot was administered, mild fever, or aching may occur after getting it. Though the vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself against getting the flu, there are other ways you can help protect yourself. You can wash your hands with soap and water before and after using the bathroom, eating, or touching your face. Cover your cough or sneeze, stay home from work or school if you are sick, and keep up to date on all of your vaccines and immunizations.
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Uh oh...I don't feel so great If you do get the flu however, don’t worry quite yet! Most people with the flu experience mild illness and do not need medical care. If you do get sick, in most cases, you should stay home and stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids such as water and juice. Have a rest! Sleep is necessary to help your immune system fight off infection. If your symptoms are more serious, however, contact your health care provider, such as one of the many experienced Family Medicine physicians at BJU. There are medications that can make the flu milder. These medications can also prevent more serious complications, such as pneumonia.
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[1] United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC). Key Facts About Influenza (Flu). Updated on 13 Sep 2019. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htmFor more information about the flu vaccine program, or if you feel sick and wish to see any BJU doctor, our team is available for you. Call our service center at 4008-919191 to make an appointment.