Flu Season Not Over Yet?

Though fluctuating temperatures don't affect flu resistance in people, the unpredictable weather in late winter and early spring can cause biological changes in viruses, making them healthier and stronger, says Todd Crocco, M.D. What does this mean for us? A longer cold and flu season!

A key preventative measure is getting flu shots, which are still available at most doctor offices, pharmacies and health departments. Also, you can take a few simple measures to prevent spreading the flu, such as:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Avoid touching your face, especially your nose and mouth
• If you experience flu-like symptoms, wait at least 24 hours after symptoms begin decreasing to go out in public.

Your local library also has a wealth of information on remaining healthy. Aside from attaining medical treatment and flu shots, factors like diet and exercise can affect your immune system. Visit your local branch, or JGRLS online catalog http://pac.jgrls.org/TLCScripts/interpac.dll?SearchForm?Directions=1&Config=pac&Branch=0 to check out some of these helpful titles.
Jane Brody's Cold and Flu Fighter/ Jane Brody
Natures Medicines: the most powerful all-natural cure/ Gale Maleskey
Nutrition Almanac/ John D. Kirschmann
Sinus Survival: the holistic medical treatment for allergies, asthma, bronchitis, colds, and sinusitis/ Robert S. Ivker
The Food Pharmacy/ dramatic new evidence that food is your best medicine/ Jean Carper