Ria Beri ‘27
EE Co-Managing Editor
The flu, or influenza, is a contagious viral infection that attacks the respiratory system. The infection can lead to sore throat, runny nose, chills, and/or vomiting, and it affects 34 million people worldwide each year. The Physicians Alliance of Connecticut reports that “Connecticut flu season typically begins in October” before “peaking between December and January”. Although the flu is unlikely to kill you, several health measures can be employed in order to stay safe from the infection.
Numerous health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), advise getting the flu vaccination so as to best protect yourself from the infection. Flu viruses change very rapidly, meaning that last year’s vaccine will likely not protect you from this year’s virus. New flu vaccines are released each year in order to keep up with the quickly changing virus. The flu vaccine injects viruses into your body, triggering your immune system and causing it to produce antibodies that protect you when you do get the real flu virus. The Trumbull Health Department will conduct ten flu clinics throughout the month of October. To view the clinic schedule, please refer to the Town of Trumbull Flu Shot Clinics page, linked here.
While getting vaccinated is unquestionably the most effective way to stay safe from the flu, basic hygiene protocols should be followed as well. Wash your hands, refrain from touching your face, and cover your coughs and sneezes. Additionally, avoid large crowds, wear a mask, and disinfect commonly touched surfaces in order to contain the spread of the virus.
The flu is a longstanding burden that has fueled several pandemic outbreaks and claimed the lives of many. Fortunately, researchers have made massive progress in studying the illness. In addition to annually developing a vaccine for the flu, scientists are utilizing genetic engineering technologies to explore alternate treatments such as therapies and over-the-counter medicines. While the effectiveness of these remedies is still up in the air, one thing can be said for certain: the vaccine is the best protection against the flu virus. The vaccine does not reduce your chances of contracting the infection, but it does lessen the severity of illness if you get sick. This October, make sure that you protect both yourself and others from the flu by getting the vaccination.
Featured Photo Courtesy: Yale School of Medicine