Changing our minds about getting flu shots

Mark your calendars for the county's seasonal flu vaccine clinic on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Douglas High School. Weather permitting, there will be a drive-through section for those who have difficulty getting out of their cars and into the building. I've never had a flu shot before but I am going to be getting one this year.

Why did I change my mind? I've been talking to several people in the past few months that are on both sides of the fence when it comes to vaccines. Some have been taking the shots for years because their job requires it, regardless of their age. Others have avoided the shots for several reasons: fear of getting sick or, like me, have rarely been sick and figure we don't need to take the shot. After all, there are others who might need it more than us, right?

One of the advantages to taking the flu shot every year is that, while it may not offer protection from all the strains of the flu virus that are circulating, it introduces different ones each time, and our bodies have a chance to manufacture antibodies to fight off the illness. These viruses go around the world and have the ability to change into a different strain over time. We may be exposed to a virus similar to one we've been exposed to before (either in a shot or by contact with others). Our bodies are going to say, "Hmm this looks familiar" and then set out to neutralize it.

As we age, our bodies tend to slow down and some parts may not work as well as when we were younger, like our immune system. Darn that aging thing. The annual flu shot is one way to help people of all ages enhance their immune system.

Another way to help is frequent hand washing. Germs can spread up to five feet from the person who sneezes. They can also survive on surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, phones, playground equipment, toys, etc. for several hours.

If we learn to sneeze or cough into our sleeves or our shirt, we can help contain the spread of germs by our hands. We don't need to become germ phobic. We just need to be aware of how we can become sick or help spread illness if we are sick. 

And remember, often times we don't really know we are sick until the fever arrives. We might also be contagious after the fever breaks so we need to be respectful of others and take care of ourselves.

For more information on the upcoming flu season, please go to www.flu.nv.gov

Have a ramblin' good week!

Reach Gail Davis at RuhenstrothRamblings@yahoo.com or 265-1947.