Video: Protecting Yourself From The Flu

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- Don’t let your guard down. We’re approaching the peak of flu season.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control shows February as the peak month of flu activity.

However one local doctor said he’s this year’s flu season is off to a slow start.
Patients have come into the Family Clinic in Starkville with runny noses, coughing, and even fever.

But all the flu tests Dr. Steven Brandon has administered so far have come back negative.

“To this point I have not seen any cases of the flu in my office,” Brandon said. “I understand from reports from the health department that there are a few scattered cases around the state but there has been no particular isolated area with any great number of flu cases.”

Brandon said he believes the slow start is primarily due to the strength of the flu vaccine.

“The way the flu shot works is that the flu shots are manufactured a whole year ahead of time, and they base the strains that go into the flu vaccine on global trends of flu viruses around the world, so it’s a prediction when they prepare the flu vaccine,” he said.

The numbers are low right now, but Brandon said that could easily change.

“In some cases we find that the flue season may vary in terms of when it peaks,” Brandon said.

Brandon’s best advice? Get flu shot.

“It’s not too late, the flu shot is still effective, about two weeks after you take it, it will gradually continue to increase your immunity to the flu,” Brandon said.

And if you do test positive for the flu, Brandon says take care of yourself and take necessary precautions to protect those around you.

“If you have the flu, you should try to restrict your exposure to other people, particularly during your portion if the illness when you have high fever, cover your mouth when coughing and wash your hands,” Brandon said.
Brandon said those who have the highest risk of getting the flu include: children who are six months to a year old, people over 50, people who have a chronic illness, and cancer, and those who may be in a nursing home setting.
In all, Brandon said taking the flu shot is the best way to ensure you wont receive the flu.