SYMPTONS INDICATE FLU

Many Americans suffer every year from a viral infection of the respiratory tract that causes fever, headaches, muscle aches and weakness.
According to the information provided the Health & Wellness department here at Southern University, one question you may ask yourself is, do I really need the flu shot? Yes. People 65 years and over or anyone with a chronic illness should be the first to receive the flu shot, because of the shortage with this vaccine.
After speaking with one of the professor in Human Nutrition and Food in Family and Consumer Sciences Division regarding should pregnant women also received the vaccination against the flu? She commended that she would advise against it because the virus itself is actually injected into the body, allowing immunity to build up. During pregnancy the effects on the fetus is questionable.
How is the flu spreaded? Influenza (flu) is spread from person to person by inhaling infected droplets from the air. There are three types of influenza one can suffer from. Type A which will produce large outbreaks, Type B causes smaller outbreaks, and Type C is usually an outbreak known as the common cold.
The flu itself is different from a cold. A cold generally starts out with sniffling and sneezing, but the flu may hit you all at once. Some of the symptoms are usually sore throat, fatigue, sweating, chills, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, joint stiffness, and coughs.
The flu is a very serious health issue. Each year 40,000 to 50,000 people die from the flu and the complications that occur with it. The flu is among the top ten killers of people of all ages. The best time to receive a flu shot is during the months of October, November and December.
According to a brochure produced by Southern University, Partners in Health, and Louisiana Health Care Review, Inc., the flu shot is the only effective method for the prevention against the flu. It is recommended that you always wash your hands frequently, get plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.
The locations to receive the flu vaccination are the East Baton Rouge Health Unit,a local hospital or from your private doctor.