Patient Education

 

Flu/Colds are commonly causd by a virus.  You can get a flu/cold from another person that has that virus, even though you may be in good health.  This happens when you breathe in germs or come in direct contact with the infected person. 

 

Flu seasons are unpredictable in a number of ways. Although epidemics of flu happen every year, the timing, severity, and length of the epidemic depends on many factors, including what influenza viruses are spreading and whether they match the viruses in the vaccine.  Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. in January or February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May.

 

The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine is designed to protect against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season. Getting the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available each year provides protection that will last throughout the flu season.

 

In addition, you can take everyday preventive steps like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading influenza to others.

 

Nasal Allergies occur during exposure to an allergen and your nasal cavity becomes irritated and inflamed.  Unlike the flu/cold, allergies are not contagious.  If you have a high temperature or an achy body, it is most likely a flu/cold rather than allergies.  Common indoor and outdoor allergens include trees, grass and weed pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold and cockroaches.  There is no cure for allergies, but  there are prescription and over-the-counter medications that treat allergy symptoms.  Allergy shots (immunotherapy) can help to reduce your sensitivity to allergens over time.  Talk to one of our doctors about the best treatment plan for you. 

 

 

 Informational Links

www.aaaai.org	The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
www.aafa.org	Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
www.aanma.org	Allergy & Asthma Network-Mothers of Asthmatics
www.aap.org	American Academy of Pediatrics
www.acaai.org	The American College of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology
www.foodallergy.org	The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
www.latexallergyresources.org	American Latex Allergy Association
www.nationaleczema.org	National Eczema Association
www.nhlbi.nih.org	National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
www.niaid.hih.gov	National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
www.njc.org	National Jewish Health
www.primaryimmune.org	Immune Deficiency Foundation

Allergy Relief Products

www.allergycontrol.com	Allergy Control Products
www.nationalallergy.com	National Allergy Supply, Inc