During the 2009–2010 flu season, a new virus spread worldwide — and with it, lots of panic. Of course we’re talking about H1N1, which caused the first flu pandemic in more than 40 years. Unfortunately, H1N1 isn’t last year’s news. But this year, prevention comes in one easy shot. The 2010–2011 flu vaccine will protect against the three flu viruses that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects will cause the most illness in the U.S. this year. These include 2009 H1N1 and two other influenza viruses. The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get vaccinated, even if you got a 2009 H1N1 vaccine last year.
People who get the shot still might contract the flu, but your chances of doing so are dramatically lower. In fact, the flu vaccine can prevent about 85 percent of cases of influenza when the vaccine matches the strain of flu that is going around.
When you’re immunized against the flu, your body actually gets the information about what the flu virus looks like. Your immune system then stores that information in its memory data bank; later, if you’re exposed to the flu, your body will pull out the file on flu, immediately recognize those cells as intruders, and send out the right defense in order to thwart an attack — without you ever having to be affected at all.
If you don’t get the flu shot, on the other hand, your immune system doesn’t know what a potential intruder looks like and you have problems. If your body has no data on file — no record of criminal activity of sorts — your immune system has no ability to respond to that particular intruder.
The flu shot isn’t your only defense against the flu, but it is by far the best. What else can you do? Most important: Wash your hands. Germs pass from hand to hand, and washing them regularly can save you a lot of trouble — and plenty of aches and pains. Another good idea: Get your D’s. It’s now suspected that a vitamin D deficiency may increase your risk of flu. But, unfortunately, the best source of vitamin D (the sun’s ultraviolet rays) isn’t good for you. So you have to focus on getting enough vitamin D–rich foods. Good sources include fortified milk and fish; a 3.5-ounce serving of salmon contains 360 IU, and a glass of milk has about 100 IU. But you’re going to need a lot more than that — up to 1,000 units daily — so supplements are the best way to go.
If you do catch the flu, ignore the “Feed a cold, starve a fever” mantra. You should eat normally and, most important, stay hydrated, especially if you have a fever. Lots of fluids will help flush your whole body of infection. And rest, rest, rest.