flu Archives - Health Beat

Back-To-School Health Tips

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Both the new school year and flu season are approaching, and with other viral illnesses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 continuing to spread, it’s important to prepare your child with effective habits and strategies for staying healthy. Follow these tips to keep them (and the rest of your family) disease-free this fall:

Get your child vaccinated: Many schools require students to receive the immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for their age group. This is a simple, effective method for boosting your child’s natural protection against some of the most common diseases they are likely to be exposed to at school.

Emphasize good hand-washing habits: Your child can come into contact with many different types of germs, bacteria, and viruses while they’re at school or traveling to or from home. Some of these substances, such as cold germs, can live for up to 24 hours on hard surfaces and up to an hour on hands; others, such as the flu, can last much longer, living on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours. Regular, thorough hand-washing is essential for minimizing your child’s contact with these germs and reducing their likelihood of becoming infected.

Take your child to a doctor if they feel sick: If your child starts to feel ill, you can reduce the amount of time they spend feeling sick (and, potentially, the amount of school days they may have to miss) by taking them to a doctor right away. A doctor can prescribe certain medications, such as antivirals or antibiotics (depending on whether your child has a virus or bacterial infection), and recommend other medications and treatments for relieving their symptoms effectively.

If your child has an infection, you can receive specialized treatment at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists. To schedule an appointment or for more information about the office, please call (718) 704-5020.

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.

Does Your Child Have a Viral or Bacterial Infection?

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Throughout the spring season, there are a number of different ways your child can become sick, leading to common symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, fever, or stomach problems. In some cases, these issues may only be a result of seasonal allergies to substances such as pollen. However, these symptoms could also occur due to an infectious disease, such as the common cold or flu.

Children develop infections due to either viruses or bacteria. A virus is a piece of genetic material surrounded by protein that requires a living host; when it infects something, it takes control of the host’s cells and uses them to create more of the virus. Some examples of common pediatric viral infections include:

Influenza
Colds
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)
Chickenpox
Bronchitis

Bacteria are single-celled organisms that live in a variety of different environments; most cause no harm to humans, with some even aiding in bodily processes such as digestion, but others may cause illnesses to develop in certain parts of the body. Common bacterial infections in children include:

Strep throat
Ear infections
Impetigo

Some infections may also be caused by either a virus or bacteria. These include:

Pneumonia
Meningitis
Diarrhea

Knowing the cause of your child’s infection is important, as this will determine the type of medicine they will need. Viruses are treated with antiviral medication, while bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Trying to treat your child’s infection with the wrong type of medication will not work, and in some cases could even lead to negative side effects.

Both antiviral medication and antibiotics can only be obtained with a prescription. A doctor can determine the most likely cause of your child’s infection and prescribe them with the appropriate medication for effective treatment results. You can schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists by calling (718) 704-5020.

Immunity-Boosting Tips To Help You Stay Healthy This Holiday Season

Posted on December 9, 2021 by Michael Hinck

The holiday season is here and to increase your chances of staying healthy and enjoying all the festivities that are associated with this time of year, Flushing Hospital is sharing the following tips to help you boost your immune system and avoid illness during this time of year.

Protect yourself against illness– taking certain preventive measures like washing your hands, wearing a mask whenever possible and taking Vitamin D can decrease your chances of getting sick. Also. getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu can provide protection against serious complications from those viruses.
Get the appropriate amount of sleep – With all the shopping, wrapping, decorating, and baking, the holiday season can be very busy time of year. Even though you might find yourself overwhelmed around the holidays, it’s important to get the recommended amount of sleep each night (seven to nine hours for adults) to help keep your immunity levels high.
Eat healthy – Making healthy and nutritious food choices can give your immune system a big boost. Conversely, making unhealthy food choices can negatively affect your immunity to illness. Some foods that can potentially boost your immune system include garlic, whole grains, such as oats or quinoa, and yogurt.
Make time for exercise – Regular exercise can not only help keep your immune system running by supporting overall health and wellness, but recent research has suggested that it can also boost it by improving circulation, relieving stress, promoting “good” bacteria in your gut.
Enjoy time with family and friends – If the pandemic has taught us one thing, it is the importance that social interactions have on our mental well-being. Spending time with loved ones not only can reduce stress and make us happy, but studies have found that, if done responsibly and when following the appropriate safety precautions, it can also positively impact our immune system.

We hope these wellness tips will help you stay healthy and safe this holiday season.

National Handwashing Awareness Week

Posted on December 7, 2020 by Joann Ariola

The first week in December is marked as National Handwashing Awareness Week. Flushing Hospital Medical Center believes that Infection prevention is important to all of us and each of us has a valuable role to play in keeping patients safe from infection.

According to the CDC, handwashing is one of the best “do-it-yourself” precaution —it involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) you can take to reduce the spread of diarrhea and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy. Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others.

It’s quick, it’s simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick. Handwashing is a win for everyone, except the germs.

What Type Of Flu Vaccine Is Best For Seniors

Posted on November 21, 2019 by Michael Hinck

With flu season upon us, it is recommended that everyone six months and older receive their annual influenza (flu) vaccine. This is especially true for senior citizens as they are at a greater risk of developing serious complications from the flu. While there is no debate over whether or not seniors should get their flu shot, there is one about what type of vaccine they should receive.

Many providers are now recommending that patients over the age of 65 receive the vaccine Fluzone, a higher dose injectable vaccine formulated specially for seniors. Like other flu vaccines, Fluzone is comprised of three different strains of the influenza virus that are most likely to cause the flu during the upcoming season. However, Fluzone contains four times the amount of antigen (the inactivated virus that promotes a protective immune response) as a regular flu vaccine and produces a stronger immune response.

This high-dose vaccine was created specifically for seniors because their immune defenses are weakened due to their age. It is estimated that approximately 75% of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older and between 50% and 70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people in this age group.

The results of seniors who have taken high-dose vaccines are promising. Initial studies have indicated that 25% fewer cases of influenza occurred in adults 65 years or older who took the high-dose vaccine compared with those who took the standard-dose vaccine, but other studies also revealed that seniors who received the high-dose vaccine were more likely to develop side effects, such as a fever and soreness at the injection site, during the week after vaccination.

If you are over 65 years old and still haven’t received your flu vaccine this year, speak to your doctor about whether or not a high-dose vaccine is right for you.

If you would like to make an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

Is it Possible to Get the Flu in the Summer ?

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Most people associate flu season with the late fall and winter months but it is also possible to get the flu during the summer. While the colder weather can help the flu virus to flourish, it is important to remember that it is not the temperature that causes the flu. The virus is spread by coming in to contact with someone who already has it.

Summer flu symptoms are the same as they would be during any other time of the year and can include:

High fever
Chills
Body aches and pains
Headache
Fatigue
Dizziness

People who are at high risk for developing complications from the flu include:

Women who are pregnant
People over the age of 65
People who have a weakened immune system
Children under the age of two
People who have diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease

Ways to avoid the flu include practicing good hand-washing hygiene, eating healthy, getting enough rest, and avoiding people who are ill.

If you think that you are experiencing flu-like symptoms you should see your medical provider to get diagnosed and start treatment. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center please call 718-670-5486.

Flu Season Can Last Until May

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Although we are approaching spring, it is important to keep in mind that flu season is not yet behind us and the flu virus remains a threat to our health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “While flu season begins in the fall and continues through the winter, peak flu season comes between December and February, and can continue on into March.” The agency also adds that flu season can last until May. The CDC is urging individuals to continue exercising steps to prevent the flu and protect their health throughout this period of time.

Here are a few measures you can take to prevent the flu:

Sanitize your hands
Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
Limit your contact with others
Do not share utensils or sanitize before sharing
Frequently disinfect areas that may be contaminated

The most important preventative measure you can take to reduce the risk of getting the flu is vaccination. The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get vaccinated. “Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations,” states the agency.

Dr. Tips on Cold and Flu Prevention

Posted on January 16, 2019 by Joann Ariola

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flu season runs from October through May, with the most recorded cases usually identified during the month of February.

With cold and flu season upon us, Dr. Alexander Kintzoglou, Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Flushing Hospital Medical Center would like to share some cold and flu prevention tips.

Flu Shot – The best measure to take against getting the flu is to get a flu shot. The CDC states that, “Flu vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses.”

Hand hygiene – No matter what your daily routine is, you will most likely come in contact with other people. By washing your hands frequently, with soap and water, you can prevent receiving germs that may cause the cold or flu. If you are unable to access soap and water, you can use hand sanitizer in a pinch. Just make sure the product has an alcohol base.
Sanitize – By keeping your surrounding area clean ( i.e. computer station, key board, door knobs, light switches, etc.) you will lessen your risk of catching a cold or the flu.
Shaking hands – Be cautious when shaking hands, especially with people who are sick. Remember to wash your hands after an encounter.
Keep a healthy lifestyle – There is no better immunity builder than good nutrition. By eating right, your body will have the natural antibodies to fight off the cold or flu.
Smoking – By triggering your allergies, which can cause an upper respiratory infection that can weaken your immune system, smoking may make you more susceptible to getting a cold or the flu.

According to Dr. Kintzoglou, “Nobody gets the flu from the flu vaccine.” He further states, “Receiving a flu shot protects not only yourself, but your friends and family.” He urges everyone to get vaccinated.

If you would like to get a flu shot, call the Flushing Hospital Medical Center Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

Flu Season Precautions

Posted on December 4, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

We are in the month of December and cases of flu are being reported by hospital emergency rooms. None of us want to catch the flu so it is a good idea to take some preventative measures that can help us to stay healthy.

Here are a few of the ways we can prevent getting the flu:
• Everyone who is six months of age and older should get the vaccine every year
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Keep a hand sanitizer handy for the times soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your hands to your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Whenever possible, disinfect surfaces that are frequently used by others such as tables and chairs.
• Clean your drinking glasses and dishes in hot water and with soap
• Keep your immune system healthy by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep every night
• Tobacco can suppress the immune system, so it is highly recommended to quit smoking.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital to discuss the flu vaccine and other ways to stay healthy, please call 718-670-5486.

What To Do If You Get The Flu

Posted on November 15, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

One of the most frequently asked questions at this time of year is “What should I do if I get the flu”? Since the flu is a virus and not a bacterial infection, antibiotics aren’t going to help. The best way to treat the flu is to get plenty of bed rest and drink lots of fluids. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever may also help to reduce the symptoms.

In some situations a physician may prescribe an anti-viral medication if the virus is caught early enough. Any time medication is prescribed, it should always be taken as directed. People should be aware of any potential side effects, and in some cases, contraindications, especially for those who have certain chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure.

In some cases, home remedies may be effective for treating the symptoms of the flu. These include:

Eating chicken soup
Drinking herbal tea
Using a humidifier
Applying a warm compresses on the nose and forehead
Taking cough drops and throat lozenges
Gargling with salt water
Using a neti pot
Practicing nasal irrigation

Under most circumstances, the symptoms of the flu will subside on their own after a few days. If you have concerns, see your physician right away. You may schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.