The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
With cold and flu season in full swing, Mercy Health is urging the community to take preventative steps to protect themselves and their families from the flu. Proactive measures, including vaccination, are critical in reducing the risk of illness and complications.
“Getting the flu vaccine is the single most important step you can take to prevent the flu,” said Dr. Sleiman Abukhater a primary care physician who cares for patients at Mercy Health – Sheffield Primary Care. “The vaccine is updated every year to protect against the latest strains of the virus, and by getting vaccinated, you’re not only protecting yourself but also those around you, particularly those who are at higher risk.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of six months receive the flu vaccine annually. For those who are vaccinated, the severity of flu symptoms is likely to be reduced even if they contract the virus.
Flu symptoms can develop rapidly and are often more intense than those of a common cold. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, fever, headaches, body aches, and chills are advised to stay home and rest.
“Staying home when you’re sick is one of the best ways to prevent spreading the flu to others,” said Dr. Abukhater. “The flu can often be managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications. Giving your body time to recover is an important component to managing symptoms. Drinking plenty of water and clear broths can help you stay hydrated, and over the counter medications can alleviate fevers, as well as head and body aches.”
Dr. Abukhater added, “While many can manage their symptoms from the comfort of their couch, it’s still important to monitor symptoms, especially if you’re at higher risk for complications and symptoms do not improve.”
For high-risk individuals, including young children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions, early intervention with antiviral medications may reduce the severity and duration of illness.
“Early diagnosis and treatment are key to minimizing the impact of the flu,” explained Dr. Abukhater. “If you think you have the flu, don’t hesitate to get tested.”
There are several preventative steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of contracting the flu:
- Get Vaccinated: Ensure that you and your family receive the flu vaccine each year.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, and avoid touching your face.
- Stay Home When Sick: If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home and take care of yourself to avoid spreading the virus.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep will help strengthen your immune system.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you experience severe flu symptoms or have underlying health conditions, consult with a health care provider immediately.
“By taking these proactive measures, we can reduce the spread of the flu and protect the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Dr. Abukhater. “It’s all about prevention, early recognition of symptoms, and appropriate care.”
For more information about flu prevention and health care services offered at Mercy Health, visit mercy.com.
About Mercy Health – Lorain
Mercy Health – Lorain is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health, one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry’s quality, compassionate care is provided by more than 60,000 associates serving communities in Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland. Mercy Health – Lorain is a full-service, not-for-profit, integrated health care system, which has been providing quality health care to Lorain County and surrounding communities for more than 125 years. The health system provides inpatient, outpatient and ancillary services through its two hospitals, Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital and Mercy Health – Allen Hospital in Oberlin; Mercy Health Physicians; and specialized facilities, including the Mercy Health – Cancer Center and Mercy Health – Outpatient Rehabilitation and Therapy. The mission of Mercy Health – Lorain is to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. For more information, visit Mercy Health online at www.mercy.com.
