The Flu Season Is Here

[영어도우미]

The Flu Season Is Here  

 

 

 

Well, we know that flu shots are usually preventive. But, if you've received your flu shot in the past, only to find it just didn't work, it's still best to have one. According to experts, flu shots usually work for most people. If you've received your flu shot in the past and were let down, it's still probably best to get an annual vaccination. Flu symptoms can be severe.

If you're health is already

compromised, hospitalization can result from fever, dehydration, weakness and metabolic disturbance. If you're allergic to eggs, or have had a past reaction, the vaccine can be dangerous, meaning you're not a candidate. Statistics show that flu shots reduce hospitalizations by as much as 70% and deaths of those at risk by more than 80%. The recommendations aren't very specific. It's a game of odds, but still one worth playing. Even if you do get the flu, symptoms are likely to be less severe once you're vaccinated.

Why You Might Still Get the Flu

Vaccines work 90% of the time. Each year a different flu

strain emerges. Scientists do their best to match the virus going around with the right vaccine. There are never guarantees. If you get chills, fever and aches -all flu symptoms -contact your doctor for a prescription. Antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu can shorten the course of a flu bout, but they have to be taken within 48 hours.

The Prevention

Wash your hands

frequently. Avoid others who have the flu. If you have symptoms, don't go to work. You'll only infect others. Keep your hands away from your face, especially during flu and cold season. Supplement your diet with Vitamin D if you haven't already started to do so. Make sure you get plenty of rest, eat your fruits and vegetables, and drink adequate amounts of fluid every day.

If you can't get five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, drink your favorite vegetable juice as an

alternative. Stay active, and keep stress at bay. The combination of good lifestyle habits, and getting your flu shot should ensure better health during flu season.

Several studies show that olive leaf

extract has anti-viral and antimicrobial properties. You can consider adding olive leaf extract as a supplement to help boost immunity, increasing your protection during cold and flu season. Nobody really wants to get the flu. It's important that we all do our part to prevent the spread of any virus or infection.

 

 

source : http://www.teentimes.org/2008/newspaper/all_news.html?code=enough&page=1&number=

 

 

Vocabulary Enrichment:

 

* flu shot - noun  a vaccine which provides immunity to a variety of influenza viruses and is updated and recommended annually

 

* vaccination -noun Inoculation with a vaccine in order to protect against a particular disease

 

* dehydration - noun an abnormal loss of water from the body, esp. from illness or physical exertion.

 

* metabolic disturbance - Disorders of metabolism principally involve an imbalance in nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, or carbohydrates.

 

* strain - noun A great or excessive pressure, demand, or stress on one's body, mind, or resources.

              -verb To injure or impair by overuse or overexertion; wrench.

 

* odds - noun The likeliness of a given event occurring: chance, likelihood, possibility

 

* prescriptions -noun A prescribed medicine or other treatment.

 

 

Guide Questions:

 

1. Have you ever had a flu shot? Did it work for you?

 

2. When is the flu season in Korea?

 

3. How often do you get sick? How do you treat flu?

 

4. What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

 

5. What disease frightens you the most? Why?

 

6. What do you think is the most serious health problem in Korea?

 

7. What are some ways you know that you can personally keep yourself healthy?

 

8. Who is the healthiest person in your family? Who is the least healthy?