A heavier than average flu season is upon us. Several dozen people have died because of it, including over a dozen children. For those who are disabled it is important, nay imperative to be vaccinated. Complications from flu symptoms are not easily tolerated when someone is disabled.
The symptoms of flu range from nausea, fever, headache, diarrhea and lack of energy to just feeling lousy with a big ‘L’. The reasons to avoid these awful symptoms are because people who are compromised, or those with mobility issues, can’t easily run to the bathroom or may choke when vomiting. Lack of energy is also important to consider avoiding should one have balance issues or trouble walking. It’s not just the very young or the very elderly that need vaccination. It’s the disabled and immune compromised.
The vaccination is painless, a minute sting, that can eliminate nearly all the varieties of virus. You WILL NOT get the flu from the vaccine. It’s a DEAD virus. However, having the vaccination shot does not guarantee you immunity to all flu virus, just 90% of them.
The tricky thing is you have to man up and get the painless shot. Take a friend take a stuffed animal, just get vaccinated.
If you do get the flu, stay in bed, drink water, teas and eat soup or toast if you can, and stay hydrated, especially with vomiting and/or diarrhea. If your fever lasts for more than 2-3 days while using ibuprofen (Advil) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol), or your fever tops 101 degrees F, see your doctor. If you have trouble breathing, call your doctor. Get plenty of rest, don’t be a martyr.
Additionally important, make sure your caregiver also gets vaccinated. In the Los Angeles area, there has been no shortage of vaccine. No more excuses..
Comments