Can’t Get a Flu Shot?

Most of us over 65 remember the days when there were no flu shots – they hadn’t been invented. Many of us got the flu, and, though it was unpleasant, we survived. Flu (that’s ‘regular’ flu, not bird flu) is only dangerous for people who are very young (6-23 months), or old (over 70-75), or have a chronic medical condition (e.g. diabetes, lowered immunity for any reason, or are pregnant. These people should get the available shots. In addition, caregivers and health workers should have priority, and those living in nursing homes and long-term care.

This doesn’t mean you should do nothing. First, make sure you are as healthy as possible. Get plenty of sleep, keep physically active, avoid stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Second: the flu and colds are caused by viruses that are usually spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If you don’t actually inhale the virus, you may carry it to your mouth or nose with your hands. So wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. You may try taking an older antiviral drug - amantadine (Symmetrel®) or rimantadine (Flumadine®) – to prevent infection, if your doctor agrees.

Third: be prepared! Recognize the symptoms early (fever, headache, muscle aches), and have your doctor prescribe an anti-flu drug, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and zanamivir (Relenza®), which can shorten the duration of unpleasant symptoms by a few days.

Remember that FluMist®), the nasal flu vaccine, can be given to healthy children and adults, aged 5 to 49; if you have children in your household, protect them (and thereby yourself) from the likelihood of infection.

Finally, even if you haven’t got flu, get into the habit of covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. In World War II there was a slogan: “Coughs and sneezes spread diseases – trap them in your handkerchief!” And if you do get sick, stay home and check with your doctor, if necessary. While waiting, drink plenty of fluids, take nourishment (chicken soup?), and ibuprophen (Advil®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for the aches and fever.