From the library of

Frank Barnhill M.D.
 

What can you do to avoid getting the flu and even the common cold if you don’t want to take flu vaccine or if it’s not available?

Many of us are searching for ways to answer this question as we experience a severe shortage of flu vaccine. I’ve been asked dozens of times in the last week why we can’t just manufacture more flu vaccine over the next two or three weeks. Unfortunately, that’s not possible, as the flu virus must be incubated in egg cultures for many weeks before virus proteins can be extracted, treated and processed to make vaccine.

Since making more vaccine isn’t as simple as putting “cake mix in the microwave”, let’s take a look at a few ways to prevent or lessen your exposure to the flu as well as common cold germs and just possibly keep you from spreading virus particles yourself.

In an earlier article we discussed use of a nasal inhaled flu vaccine, “FluMist”, to immunize those between ages 5 and 49 years. Some doctors are reportedly charging as much as $50 a dose for “FluMist” as the supply gets tighter and tighter. Also, there isn’t enough to really adequately immunize everyone. Another drawback is the apparent age restriction that keeps it from being used in the age groups that need it the most, those under age 4 and over age 50.

If nasal vaccine is not an option and you don’t want to take flu vaccine or it’s not available, then we must look to other methods to stay well during the upcoming flu season:

Wash your hands at least 7-8 times per day and after shaking hands or touching the face of another person. Person to person contact is the second most common way disease is spread.
Wash your hands in warm soapy water before and after touching your eyes, mouth or nose. Do this consistently every single time to lessen spread of germs!
Ask persons with a cough or sneeze to cover their nose and mouth with tissue or a handkerchief since fine mist and water droplets full of virus are coughed into the air for a distance of 2 to 10 feet. These droplets stay suspended in the air for up to 5 minutes after a cough or sneeze. Using their hand to “catch it” will not stop spread of most droplets, and of course, you really shouldn’t shake their hand afterwards.
Aerosol (sneezing and coughing) and body fluid dispersal is the most common way the flu is spread. So, avoid kissing, eating or drinking after others and don’t touch another person’s sputum or vomit unless you thoroughly wash your hands afterwards. Do not share glasses, eating utensils, straws, plates, toothbrushes or washcloths. Others may have the virus, but not show symptoms of infection. Certainly, you should not copy cat the television candy commercial and share false teeth.
Be sure that all used handkerchiefs and washcloths go in the washing machine and tissues go into the trashcan. Once tissues are disposed, do not touch them again as viruses can live a very long time in tissue paper.
Ask your daycare, school, and work place to provide spray or wipe disinfectant to use on telephones, hard toys, counter tops, doorknobs, commode flush handles and seats, and other hard disease adherent surfaces (called fomites) several times a day. Virus particles can survive for hours on such surfaces and if you touch them and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth, then, well you get the idea.
If you can’t wash your hands because you’re away from water, then carry antibacterial hand gel and use it often. Caution! You must leave most hand gels on your skin for minimum thirty seconds before wiping off. Otherwise, they don’t work well! If you don’t have these gels available, rubbing alcohol is an option. These chemicals are not to be used on the face, in the mouth, ears, nose or eyes.
Avoid exposure to excessive cold and heat, as abrupt changes in temperature seem to render the linings of your nose, throat, and lungs more susceptible to invasion by germs. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Overdressing for cold can be just as damaging as undressing.
Eat healthy, exercise, drink plenty of fluids and take your antioxidant vitamins. Food and water provide the fuel that your body uses to fight off infections. Exercise, Vitamin C and antioxidants are thought to improve your body’s resistance and immune system to germs in general.
Get at least 7 hours sleep a night. Your body’s metabolism works best with adequate rest. Sleep and rest also helps increase your immune systems ability to fight infections.
Last but not least, avoid persons who are sick if possible and if you’re that person, stay home instead of giving the infection to everyone at work, school, daycare and church. Make your workplace the ideal healthy place to work!
Ok, I know, I said 11 was the last, but not least. So, here’s the least: consider wearing a surgical mask when you have a cough or sneeze. Some oriental cultures do so out of respect for others!

I hope all of these uncommon tips will help you and your loved ones stay well during this upcoming flu season. Please share this with your family, friends and those with whom you work so we can help everyone have a great healthy winter. You have my permission to reprint and distribute this educational article as long as it is copied in its entirety.
Dr. Frank