dagmaraka wrote:Question: do you ever need the same flu shot twice? I understand that new viruses are found each year so the flu shot I get this year will be different from the one I would get next year. But say there were no changes to the vaccine, should one still get it? Or does it work for life for those particular strands of the flu virus that were in the flu shot?
The vaccine is different every single year I believe.
It's still unclear why influenza appears easonally only namely in winter - but that doesn't change the fact.
And thus we've not got two different Influenza saison [in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere] but this is why there are two different vaccine formulations every year: one for the Northern, and one for the Southern Hemisphere.
There's no vaccination against cold ('flu-like infects').
Walter - Not one sickness (or even a headcold!) in my house all summer. As soon as the kids are back in school, enclosed, in close proximity to each other, touching each other's stuff, breathing on each other's food at lunch....that's when it all starts.
It all has to do with people being in closed, close quarters.
The schools don't even have windows that open anymore!
Walter, this is just my opinion, but I believe flu spreads more in the winter months because of people being togehter indoors more often, due to the weather. More chance of cross contamination.
If anyone is planning on getting a flu shot, remember, it doesn't take effect in your body immediately.
If days several days/a couple of weeks for it to be of benefit.
In any event, precautions, most importantly good hand washing technique, should be employed year round. Especially in public restrooms.
After washing your hands with hot soapy water, turn off the faucets with a paper towel. Do not use that same paper towel to dry your hands. Then, use the towel to open the door to leave the restroom.
No sense going to all the trouble of washing and drying properly, if you're just going to touch a germ ridden door handle....then KEEP YOUR HANDS AWAY FROM YOUR MOUTH!!!
Chai, that's exactly what I do, almost compulsively ("After washing your hands with hot soapy water, turn off the faucets with a paper towel. Do not use that same paper towel to dry your hands. Then, use the towel to open the door to leave the restroom").
Then I do something else equally compulsively: I shake hands with everyone.
Thanks, Phoenix
JLNobody wrote:Chai, that's exactly what I do, almost compulsively ("After washing your hands with hot soapy water, turn off the faucets with a paper towel. Do not use that same paper towel to dry your hands. Then, use the towel to open the door to leave the restroom").
Then I do something else equally compulsively: I shake hands with everyone.
Thanks, Phoenix
Well, I don't then shake everyone's hand, but I do go up and lick everyone's computer keyboard.
How kinky! Almost as intimate as cybersex itself.
And don't sneeze into your hands, for chrissake. (Sneeze into somebody else's.)
Never had a flu shot, get the flu maybe once every five years. I do have some sort of stress/sleep-deprivation-related bronchial bug that flares up from time to time, but it ain't the flu.
No plans to get the flu shot myself. Am a strong believer that vaccines should go to those who need it, and that, in a healthy individual, nothing builds immunity like natural infection.
And, yes, it is a new vaccine every year. Since a lot of the new strains come from Asia, I wonder how much the seasonality of flu in North America/Europe has to do with our temperate seasons versus rainy/dry season cycles in Asia itself...
i like the new types of faucets that turn on and off automatically : no need to touch the faucet ... and it also stops water being wasted !
and doors that open to the outside are also a good idea - no need to touch a handle - a good kick will do !
many of the new bathrooms along major highway service stations don't even have main doors any more , just a sort of zig-zig entrance - makes sense to me .
hbg
Yeah, I don't know why they don't make all rest room doors like in office buildings and stores just push to get out.
Doesn't seem like rocket science.
The zig zag doors at airports and rest stops are a good idea too.
One thing about sinks...I've noticed in a few places, like Lowes, they have automatic water, but the sink itself is just some kind of shallow trough.
I wish they would lower those sinks a few inches, so you don't have to be careful not to touch the bottom of the sink.
of course , not all people like to do that make sense .
at our munipal pool there is a BIB sign at the entrance-door to the pool - exit from change/shower room :
ALL BATHERS MUST SHOWER WITH SOAP AND WATER ... etc
when we leave at 9 a.m. , the senior fitness clases start .
what do many seniors do ? you guessed it , they see the sign and march right in WITHOUT taking a shower !
so what do you do with these people ?
when the school kids come for the afternoon swim , a teacher makes sure they take a shower - they seem to like it anyhow - squirting each other with the water , running in and out of the shower ; they are fun to have around .
i guess we need a supervisor for the seniors !!!
hbg
