预防流感及肺炎

Flu 和 pneumonia pose special problems for heart patients. 大约一半的美国.S. adults hospitalized for flu have 心脏病. Studies have shown that the flu is associated with an increase in 心脏病发作 和 中风. Serious heart complications occur in about 1 in 8 adults hospitalized with the flu.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can prevent your lungs from getting enough oxygen into the blood, creating a strain on the heart. It can also increase risks for stroke survivors.

Flu season starts in the fall

Flu season begins in October 和 typically runs until early to mid-spring. It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between a common cold 和 the flu. Generally, a cold is milder than the flu 和 you are likely to have 流鼻涕或鼻塞. The flu is worse with more intense symptoms.

The flu can strike suddenly 和 can cause fever, 发冷, 咳嗽, 喉咙痛, 流鼻涕或鼻塞, 肌肉或身体疼痛, 头痛和疲劳. Vomiting 和 diarrhea associated with the flu is more common in children.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone 6 months 和 older get a seasonal flu vaccine each year, 最好是十月底. A yearly flu shot can help guard against the influenza viruses. Flu vaccines are created to combat the strains of flu expected to be circulating in a given year.

It’s a very safe vaccine 和 adverse reactions are rare. Occasionally there is soreness in the spot where the shot is given.

People develop immunity to the flu two weeks after getting vaccinated. You can get the flu vaccine in September before flu season hits 和 even months into the season.

People with 心脏病 和 stroke survivors are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications. 如果你有心脏病, 或者有过中风, it is especially important that you get a flu vaccine every year to protect against flu 和 its potentially serious complications.

另外, heart 和 stroke patients should also be immunized against pneumonia unless they’ve experienced a bad reaction or allergy to the vaccine. Re-vaccination should be discussed with your health care professional 和 will depend on the person’s age, the type of vaccine used 和 prior vaccination history.

基本预防措施

There are other precautions you can take to avoid the flu. It’s important to stay away from people who are sick. It seems like an obvious thing, but one we forget about.

If you haven’t been vaccinated, 远离人群, particularly if the flu is spreading through your community. Washing h和s frequently is also a good practice, along with keeping your h和s away from your face.

If you do suspect you have the flu, get to your health care professional early. If it’s confirmed that your illness is the flu, an oral antiviral treatment can help reduce the duration of the sickness.

But prevention remains the best bet. So, it’s very important to be vaccinated to protect yourself.