Get vaccinated for free at the Lehigh Valley Health Network Flu Vaccine Clinic, from 7:30-10:30 a.m., at 2226 Blakeslee Blvd. Drive East, Lehighton. Non-perishable food donations will be collected.

Things to Do to Avoid the Flu

Influenza is not something to take lightly. It can be serious for some people, including the elderly, children, and those with chronic conditions. Even if you don’t get seriously ill, having the flu can put a dent in your normal activities.

Thankfully, as we approach the onset of another respiratory virus season, there are simple steps we can all take to help prevent the spread of the flu and other common respiratory viruses.

“Vaccination remains our best strategy to reduce the likelihood of infection and, for those who do become infected, decrease the severity of illness and likelihood of hospitalization,” says Timothy Friel, MD, an infectious diseases specialist and Chief Clinical Officer of Jefferson Health–Lehigh Valley Region.

Additional Flu Prevention

1. Stay away from people who are sick.

2. If you are sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after the resolution of your fever and improvement in your other symptoms.

3. Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer regularly to avoid the spread of germs.

4. Avoid touching your eyes and mouth.

5. Clean surfaces such as countertops and doorknobs.

6. Get plenty of sleep, eat well, and drink lots of fluids.

“Vaccination remains our best strategy to reduce the likelihood of infection and, for those who do become infected, decrease the severity of illness and likelihood of hospitalization,” Dr. Friel says.

Sometimes people who are otherwise healthy don’t think they need the flu vaccine, Dr. Friel says.

However, anyone can get the flu. Even otherwise healthy individuals can end up with serious complications from influenza.

“Patients with impaired immune systems and those with underlying medical problems like diabetes, obesity, heart disease, kidney disease, and chronic lung disease also are at high risk for bad outcomes,” he says.

The best time for the vaccine is by the end of October before you start hearing about flu cases in your community, because it takes a couple of weeks after your vaccination to build up immunity to the flu.

Seasonal flu vaccines cause your body to develop antibodies that protect you against the expected flu viruses each year. Your immunity fades over time, so it needs to be refreshed before every flu season.

Also, vaccines are updated as the strains of the flu change.