John Kelly, M.D.

Chairman of the HTAA Health and Medical Advisory Board

Fighting the flu

Flu is a serious, contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. In 2009-2010, a new and very different flu virus (called 2009 H1N1) spread worldwide, causing the first flu pandemic in more than 40 years. Flu is highly unpredictable, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta (CDC) expects the 2009 H1N1 virus to spread again this upcoming season, along with other seasonal flu viruses.
     CDC urges you to take the following actions to protect yourself and others from the flu:
Take time to get a flu vaccine
*   CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.
*   While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine protects against the three viruses that research suggests will be most common.
*   The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against an influenza A H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the 2009 H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season.
*   Everyone six months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu as soon as the 2010-2011 season vaccine is available.
*   People at high risk of serious flu complications include people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older, pregnant women, and young children.
*   Vaccination of high-risk persons is important to decrease their risk of flu illness.
Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs
*   Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
*   Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
*   Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
*   Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
*   If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities.
     John T. Kelly, M.D., is Chief Medical Officer of Lifeclinic International, which manufactures blood pressure and weight monitors installed in many trucking locations. Dr. Kelly previously served as Chief Health and Medical Officer of Union Pacific Railroad. Email Dr. Kelly at JKelly@lifeclinic.com.