FluWatch Update 2011 - 2012
Each year the flu shot and nasal spray are updated to protect against the three flu viruses that surveillance indicates will be most common. To maintain immunity, these vaccines must be readministered each year. BCHD advises Beach Cities residents to follow flu vaccination guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov), which recommend everyone 6 months of age and older to be vaccinated. Remind your friends and relatives to get vaccinated by sending an ‘e-card’ from the CDC website.
Flu Shot Locator
Find any location offering flu vaccinations here.
County of Los Angeles Public Health Flu Vaccination Clinic Schedule
Flu shot locations in the South Bay
Flu shot locations in the Beach Cities
Trusted Public Health Resources:
Flu.gov
Comprehensive government-wide information on seasonal, H1N1 (swine), H5N1 (bird) and pandemic influenza for the general public, health and emergency preparedness professionals, policy makers, government and business leaders, school systems, and local communities.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
California Department of Public Health
Los Angeles County Department of Public Heatlh
Tips to Stop Spreading the Flu:
- Get vaccinated
- Wash your hands regularly
- Sneeze and cough into the crook of your arm
- Avoid touching your eyes, face and nose
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- When you’re sick, stay at home and limit contact with others
Immune Boosting Tips:
- Get plenty of vitamin C. Oranges and lemons are a great source.
- Drink decaffeinated tea with lemons. Your immune system works best at an intermediate pH and, despite its acidic nature, lemons increase the alkali balance after ingested.
- Sleep eight hours each night. Sleep has been linked to balanced hormone levels, which is essential for maintaining a strong immune system.
- Avoid excess alcohol. Your liver makes proteins, including cytokines and immunoglobulins, which form the cascade that fights infections.
- Decrease the carbs in your diet and eat more proteins. Diets high in carbs increase your blood sugar, which stresses your immune system (and bacteria and viruses love sugar). Protein is a building block for your immune system.
- Stay hydrated and drink lots of water. Your kidneys remove lots of waste and toxins from your body, so keep them pumping! Also, most headaches when you are sick are caused by dehydration.
- If you can, stop drinking coffee. Caffeine can overdrive excretion and cause excess dumping of essential minerals and vitamins. If you can't stop, drink two extra glasses of water for every cup of coffee and take a multi-vitamin.
- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables to build up your anti-oxidants. Blueberries and broccoli are great sources.
- Get physical! Physical activity strengthens your immune system, decreases stress and improves circulation—all the things you need to fight off infection. Also, it is better to be outside than inside in enclosed spaces with dirty recycled air!
- Take care of yourself by getting a massage. New research demonstrates the benefits of massage
- Find a way to reduce stress in your life. Spend time with your friends and family, and remember that optimal health includes social, spiritual and emotional wellness.