Tag Archives: Cold and Flu

Preparing for Cold and Flu Season

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As we enter the fall season and approach winter, it is important to be proactive and take the proper steps to protect yourself and loved ones from seasonal illnesses.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare for the upcoming cold and flu season:

  • Getting vaccines, such as the flu shot, can help your body’s immune system recognize and defend against a variety of viruses before you get infected. They can also reduce symptom severity if you do fall ill.
  • Practicing good hygiene habits can help reduce your exposure to germs and viruses. Some good hygiene habits you can practice include:
    • Washing your hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the restroom
    • Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, even if it is just seasonal allergies
    • Wiping down commonly used surfaces in your home, such as door handles, toilets, faucets, remotes, and other areas you and your loved ones may touch regularly
    • Avoiding sharing personal products and utensils with others
    • Wearing a mask to help reduce your exposure to respiratory illnesses
    • Limiting time in shared spaces, when you can, to help stop germs from spreading around your home
  • Taking care of yourself by protecting your immune system. Some ways you can protect your immune system include:
    • Getting a good night’s rest can help strengthen your body and immune system against illnesses
    • Adding vitamin-dense fruits and vegetables to your meals can help you maintain your energy and ward off viral and bacterial infections.
    • Staying hydrated, which can help loosen mucus and increase blood flow
    • Staying physically active can help your body build resistance and resilience against infectious diseases
    • Taking time to relax and manage stress is important to keep your immune system running at full capacity.

If you do start to feel under the weather, it is important to take quick action to protect your health and prevent the spread of illness to others. By following these simple steps, you can recover more comfortably and help keep you and your loved ones safe.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

The Importance of Getting Vaccinated During Cold and Flu Season

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Flu season can be unpredictable, as it can begin as early as fall and can last until spring. Flu activity is usually at its peak during winter, and public healthcare professionals, advocates, and communities come together to promote flu vaccination as the flu can cause serious health complications, such as bacterial infections or pneumonia. If it isn’t treated in time, the flu can even lead to death. 

Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, including pregnant women and young children. Millions of children get sick with the flu every year, and thousands will be hospitalized as a result. Women are also at higher risk of developing serious flu complications during pregnancy.  

Since flu viruses are constantly changing and protection from vaccination decreases over time, getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to reduce your risk of the flu. A flu vaccine is the only vaccine that protects against the flu and has been shown to reduce the risk of illness from the flu, hospitalization, and death.  

During flu season, we encourage everyone six months and older to get their annual flu vaccine, especially pregnant women, young children, and other people who are at a higher risk of developing serious flu complications. The more people who get vaccinated against the flu, the more people who will be protected from it. 

If you or a loved one would like to get the flu vaccine, you can visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Diabetic Guideline for Cold and Flu Care

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People who are diabetic must be very cautious when taking any medications when they have a cold or the flu. Some medications may have a negative effect on their health.

What medications are considered safe for a person with diabetes to take if they should get a cold or the flu? Most times taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication when taken as prescribed is safe. All medications, cough syrups and decongestants must be sugar-free. Often the pill form of a cold or flu medication might be a better choice to take because they may not contain any carbohydrates. If you are a diabetic, you should always consult with your physician before taking any over-the-counter medications.

In addition to taking medication as prescribed or recommended by a doctor, the most important thing for a diabetic patient to do is to keep their blood sugar well controlled. This will help their immune system fight off colds and the flu.

It is also recommended that people with diabetes check their blood sugar more frequently, every four hours, should they get a cold or the flu.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for “Sick Day Guidelines for People with Diabetes” a person should call their doctor or go to an emergency room if they experience vomiting, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, fever greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit for over 24 hours, glucose level over 250mg/dl or lower than 70 mg/dl on two separate checks or cannot eat for more than 6 hours.

The American Diabetes Association recommendations  for cold and flu care can be found here:

American Diabetes Association Guidelines for Colds and Flu

Most importantly, people with diabetes should get the annual flu vaccine to prevent or lessen the effects of the flu.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.