Jersey Shore Pharmacy

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Health & Wellness 27 ❆❄ ❄ ❆

56 Health & Wellness

The flu is a respiratory infection that’s caused by many different viruses. Up to one in five people get the flu in the U.S. each year.1 It comes on suddenly, causes worse symptoms than the cold and can be serious for some people. As you know, last year, a new strain of flu was thrown into the mix. Called swine flu at first, then H1N1, it caused symptoms similar to regular flu, such as fever, cough, aches, chills and fatigue.2 Did you get a flu shot last year? If you’re someone who’s always thought flu shots are just for your grandparents, think again. For the 2017-18 flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that almost everyone get a flu shot. That is, everyone six months and older. These changes will simplify guidelines that have been confusing to many people. You should know that the new flu vaccine will include the H1N1 strain. Any shortage in vaccine supplies this season may slightly alter a plan to vaccinate everyone at once, however. In that case, the CDC may prioritize vaccines as it has in the past. It would first target people who are at higher risk of developing complications from the flu. This includes people who are 65 and older and pregnant women. Also, people with certain chronic medical conditions, such as asthma or heart disease, would take priority. In addition, it is also important for those coming into close contact with these people to get vaccinated early.3 Now, if you’re pregnant, you may wonder if it is safe to get a flu shot. The short answer is, yes. However, this is not true if you have a severe allergy to eggs. That’s because the ingredients for flu shots are grown inside eggs. Also, you should not get a vaccine if you have had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past. If you’re pregnant, request the flu shot, not the nasal spray vaccine. It is made from an inactivated virus. This makes it safe for you and your baby during pregnancy. Avoid trying to get pregnant for four weeks after a vaccination with a nasal spray vaccine.4 So, when should you get a flu vaccine? Now is a good time to start thinking about it. Flu season runs from November to April. Most cases hit between the

Health &Wellness Health & Wellness 53 end of December and early March. You can probably get the vaccine starting in September. It’s best to do it as early as possible so you can head off any infections “at the pass.” Getting the flu shot early gives your body It’s That Time Of Year Again…Should You Get A Flu Shot? ❄ What You Need To Know Cough And Cold Season Is Here— ❄Are You Ready? ❅ Believe it or not, cough and cold season is upon us. Our nights are becoming very cold and children have been back in school for about six months now. This is the season everyone dreads. It seems we see people with the sniffles everywhere—at work, at the mall and even at home. Now is the time to take some steps that time to build up immunity. This means it will protect will reduce your risk of catching a cold and stock up on things that you better against the flu.5 will help with the symptoms when the inevitable happens. If you haven’t gotten the vaccine by December or so, or if it hasn’t been available for some reason, still

You can reduce your risk of catching a cold or flu. go ahead and get it when you can. Remember that the Here are some helpful hints: nasal mist vaccine is only for healthy, non-pregnant

WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY: This will help stop the people who are between 2 and 49 years old.5 spread of germs. Everything you touch potentially has cold germs on it— If you do develop cough and cold symptoms, stop doorknobs, handrails, pens, PIN pads, etc. Also, keep hand sanitizer easily in to see us. We can help you select the best over the accessible—keep it in your car and your desk at work. counter medications to help put you on the road to recovery. For more information, call 609-660-1111 or

REDUCE STRESS: Whenever a big day is coming up, or a deadline visit www.jerseyshore.pharmacy. you have been rushing to meet, you are more likely to become sick. Relax, your health is more important. Also, try to get at least eight hours of sleep per night. EAT WELL: Certain foods combat colds. Try to include as much of the If you do develop cough and cold symptoms, stop in to see us. following as possible in your diet: broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, onions, We can help you select the best over the counter medications to help citrus fruits, and whole grains. Some put you on the road to recovery. For more information, call evidence also exists supporting 609-660-1111 or visit www.JerseyShorePharmacyBarnegat.com. using vitamin C and Echinacea to boost your immune system.

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DRINK PLENTY OF WATER: Drinking plenty of water helps flush germs out of your body. Water also helps keep your mucous membranes moist, allowing them to trap the virus and dispose of it.

BREATHE FRESH AIR: Try to breathe as much fresh air as possible. Recycled, contaminated air can make you sick! Get outside as much as possible. Cold air will not give you a cold!

For the most part, everyone catches some degree of a cold at least once a year. Once you feel the symptoms coming on, then what? For starters, continue the above tips. Also, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough (no one else wants your germs). And most importantly—

CONTINUE TO WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY.

There are many cough and cold medications on the market that can help with your cold or cough symptoms. Decongestants in a pill form or a nasal spray can help with a stuffy nose. Antihistamines can help with itchy, watery eyes. Cough suppressants help control a nagging cough. Cough drops or throat lozenges help with a sore throat. Tylenol or Motrin can help any body aches or fever. Before taking any medications, please consult with your pharmacist or doctor to be sure the medication you are buying doesn’t aggravate any existing medical conditions or interact with any current medication you are taking. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Many over-the-counter cough and cold medications can cause adverse effects. Don’t be afraid to ask us, that is what we are here for.

Once you have determined which medications are safe, keep some at home so that you are prepared when that cold comes along.

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COUPON: 20% OFF Valid for Over-the-Counter Items Only. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Expires 12/31/2017 Expires 12/31/18. Jersey Shore Pharmacy is an independently owned and operated full service pharmacy. Our pharmacists and technicians are here to answer your questions.

1. MedlinePlus. “Flu.” http://www.nlm.nih.gov/ medlineplus/flu.html Stop by and see what a pharmacy experience should be! 2. MedlinePlus. “H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu).” http://www.nlm. nih.gov/medlineplus/h1n1fluswineflu.html 3. Health Day. “Virtually Everyone Should Get a Flu Shot: CDC”http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/ fullstory_95735.html For more information, call 609-660-1111 or visit 4. MayoClinic. “Seasonal flu shot in pregnancy: Is it safe?” http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/influenza/AN00651/ METHOD=print 5. Nemours Foundation. “Is the Flu Vaccine a Good Idea for Your Family?” http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/ body/flu_vaccine.html www.jerseyshorepharmacy WWW.JERSEYSHOREPHARMACY.COM