Ask Karen: Protecting against flu

By Karen McNew
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: February 20, 2008

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Q:  Is it too late to get a flu shot?

A:  There has been a lot of talk about the flu recently.  Many people think it is worse this year.  In Virginia our state health department says it is not worse than usual for us this time of year. 

The health department says it is not too late to get a flu shot.  But, since we are instructed to get them in the fall I checked further for the amount of protection we would get from one now.  Basically it takes a couple of weeks to develop immunity and flu season lasts for another couple of months.

In my search, I found some interesting 10 On Your Side information about protecting against flu.

According to the Virginia Department of Health 1 in 5 Virginians will get flu and the health department has “10 Things You Can Do To Prevent Flu”

1. Get a Flu Shot
2. Wash Your Hands Often
3. Cough or sneeze into your arm or sleeve, not your hands
4. If you feel sick, stay home
5. Try the nasal vaccine if you don’t care for shots
6. Carry hand sanitizer as a back up (I keep mine in my car)
7. Wipe down public items
8. Try not to touch your nose eyes or mouth.
9. Pay attention to your overall health (get plenty of rest)
10.  Your doctor may recommend antiviral medicines

Link to the Virginia Department of Health