In this issue...

• Protect Your Family From Influenza This Season
• Additional Articles
• Featured Physicians
• Recommended Web Sites

Protect Your Family From Influenza This Season

By Dr. Andrea Enright, Pediatrician

Every year people in the bay area usually get the flu virus, or what doctors call influenza virus, sometime during the months of October through March. However, did you know the influenza virus changes each year?

Some years there are small changes in the virus, while in other years big changes occur. Because the influenza virus changes from year to year, you and your children can get sick with the flu more than once. This happens because the virus is clever enough to change so your body can’t fight it off. The yearly change in the influenza virus also forces vaccine manufacturers to make a new form of the flu vaccine each year.

This year there is a flu vaccine shortage, meaning it is available only for people considered to be at high risk (people who can have serious complications with their health if they get the flu). Although only some people will be vaccinated this year, everyone can follow these simple steps to avoid getting the flu (or spreading the virus).

• Avoid contact with people who may be sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Stay home if you have flu symptoms (cough, sneeze, headache, sore throat).
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
• Avoid sharing cups, food or lipstick with others.

Influenza viruses are spread from person to person when an infected person sneezes or coughs and releases the virus into the air. These "airborne droplets" can infect another person. If an infected person touches their nose or mouth and gets saliva or mucus on their hands and then touches an object like a door knob, the virus can be spread to another person. Even though the infected person's hands don't really look dirty or feel sticky, they are covered with contagious influenza virus.

People are most contagious during the 24 hours before they feel ill and during the time they feel the most sick. Remember, antibiotics do not treat the flu. Since influenza is a virus, antibiotics which fight bacteria will not help fight the influenza virus.
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Additional Articles

Childproof your home with 12 Safety Devices to Protect Your Infant.

Learn what causes your child's sore throats.

Teach your preteen about safety in the kitchen.
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Featured Physicians

Dr. Donna McMillan is a board certified pediatrician with the Fremont Center. Dr. McMillan received her medical doctorate degree (M.D.) from Yale University School of Medicine in 2000, and completed her internship and residency at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. Dr. McMillan, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Christine Huo is a board certified Family Physician with the Palo Alto Medical Clinic. Dr. Huo received her medical doctorate degree (M.D.) from Brown University School of Medicine in 1999, and completed her internship and residency at Stanislaus Family Practice Residency. Dr. Huo, a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the California Academy of Family Physicians, is currently accepting new patients.
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Recommended Web Sites

Cover Your Cough. Center for Disease Control.

Is it a Cold or the Flu? The Nemours Foundations KidsHealth.

Clean Hand Statistics SNAP Organization.

Winter Sports Safety. The Nemours Foundations KidsHealth.

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