Don't wait to prepare for Cold & Flu Season

View this email in a browser.   Prepare Yourself for Cold & Flu Season By Jenna Pisani (M.S.), Scientific Affairs Due to last spring's outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus, many people are looking for help when it comes to avoiding this potentially dangerous disease. So, as we head into the 2009-10 flu season, it's important to be informed of the precautionary measures you can take to ensure the health and safety of yourself and your family. Each year on average, 5-20% of the population contracts the respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, resulting in over 200,000 hospitalizations and about 36,000 deaths. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this flu season could be worse due to the spread of the new H1N1 flu virus, also known as swine flu.       The best way to prevent ourselves from contracting the illness is to get vaccinated. Two types of seasonal vaccinations exist: the typical flu shot, which provides an inactive form of the vaccine and is approved for anyone 6 months of age and older, including those with chronic medical conditions. A second vaccine is the nasal-spray flu vaccine, which provides live, weakened flu viruses and is approved for those from 2 to 49 years of age who do not have a chronic medical condition which might predispose them to flu complications. These vaccinations are offered starting in early fall and are available throughout the season. Check with your doctor or community health center for dates and locations near you. Regular vaccination can help you protect yourself against the viruses that research suggests will be the most common during a particular flu season. However, it's important to be aware that this year's seasonal vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against the new H1N1 flu virus. A vaccine specific to H1N1 is in production and may be ready for the public this fall. While the vaccinations are available to everyone, certain people are encouraged to get them because they are at high risk or care for those at high risk (see box). The CDC also recommends that for the 2009-10 flu season, children aged 6 months to 8 years who have not gotten a previous flu vaccination should receive 2 doses of the vaccine. If you have had a severe reaction to a previous influenza vaccination, you are not encouraged to receive this year's vaccine. Other smart precautions There are certain preventative actions that we can take everyday to help protect ourselves and others from the flu. These actions include: • Wash your hands and/or use a hand sanitizer regularly • Keep hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth • Avoid contact with infected individuals     If you are already infected, or think you may be, take these additional precautions: • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. It's best to use a tissue or handkerchief, or cough into your elbow if no tissue is available. DO NOT cough or sneeze into your hands – if you do, you can transfer the virus to almost anything you touch, and your family, friends and coworkers may then be exposed. Dispose of the tissue and sanitize your hands as soon as possible. • Stay at home from work or school to help reduce the spread of the virus. It's best to limit your exposure to others until 24 hours after your fever has come down without the use of fever-reducing medications. Immunity Support & Homeopathic Remedies In addition to vaccination or for those who can't or don't want to receive the vaccine, you can take steps to support your immune system. There is a wide-range of immune supporting supplements available at your local Vitamin Shoppe – ask a Health Enthusiast for details. Homeopathic remedies may provide an additional layer of protection, and can also lessen the severity of symptoms associated with flu. Oscillococcinum is a popular remedy for fevers, chills and aches. Anas barbariae is widely used for the prevention and treatment of flu due to its antiviral effects. Aconitum napellus, Apis mellifica and Belladonna may help alleviate a fever. Bryonia or Ferrum phosphoricum can be taken when flu symptoms include headache or cough. Arsenicum album and Gelsemium may help combat fatigue.   Eupatorium perforliatum may help ease aching muscles and Nux vomica may help settle an upset stomach.   This flu season, be sure to protect yourself against the influenza virus by being informed. If you are at high risk, get vaccinated. Stay healthy this winter by taking every precautionary measure, especially washing hands and avoiding those infected. Join the Conversation The flu season is just around the corner. What are you planning to do to support your immune health?     You last shopped with us at: 1243 Torrence Ave    Calumet City    708-862-3498 Don't miss out on any Vitamin Shoppe offers or announcements! Be sure to add TheVitaminShoppe@email.vitaminshoppe.com to your address book. Have questions? You may contact us by mail at: The Vitamin Shoppe, Attn: Customer Service Department, 2101 91st Street, North Bergen, New Jersey 07047 or via email at: mailto:customercare@vitaminshoppe.com