Samantha Salinas, 1, looks up at her father, Cornelio, before she receives her H1N1 flu vaccine as her mother, Esmeralda, looks on at Mall of the Mainland in Texas City.
The Galveston County Health District is giving vaccinations beginning at 9 a.m. today at its offices, 1207 Oak St., in La Marque. Vaccines are reserved for people in the high-risk category and for children younger than 10 who were vaccinated Oct. 30-31 at Mall of the Mainland. Three University of Texas Medical Branch doctors were asked about the flu, the vaccine and the risks of both.
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Dr. Vic Sierpina is a professor of family medicine.
Q: Can lifestyle choices lower my risk of getting the flu?
A: Managing stress, getting adequate rest, restricting alcohol, avoiding smoking and maintaining good hydration all can help improve the responses of your immune system. Maintaining good nasal hygiene can help in resisting the flu. Simply make a salt water spray (1/2 teaspoon salt in a cup of water) or buy an over-the-counter salt water spray.
Q: If I eat healthy foods and exercise, will that lower my risk?
A: I recommend a regular intake of foods high in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, to reduce free radical damage and inflammation, both of which make us susceptible to infections and other disease. Supplemental vitamin D of about 2000 IU a day, including vitamin D-fortified foods along with adequate sunshine exposure, can be important in building immunity. Vitamin C, which is in citrus and many other fruits and vegetables, also protects our immune system. A supplement of 250 mg a day or more can help protect you from the flu. Regular exercise is a useful way of keeping our circulation up, managing stress and improving immunity.
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Dr. Christine Turley is a professor in the pediatrics department and vice chair of the pediatrics department clinical services. She also is a scientist for the Sealy Center for Vaccine Development.
Q: What advice do you have about immunizing children who attend school?
A: Children are in the high priority group to be vaccinated, because they are at high risk for being exposed to the infection and also are at high risk of getting seriously sick from the infection.
Q: So many people are concerned that the vaccines might be linked to autism. Should people be concerned?
A: This has been looked at by several serious groups of scientists from a variety of angles because, if this were true, we would need to make immediate changes. There is no evidence to support a link between vaccines and autism.
Q: When should I consider pulling my child out of school?
A: It is not recommended to pull your child out of school at this time. Children should remain in school unless they are ill with a fever.
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Dr. Steve Quach is the medical branch’s interim chief medical officer and an assistant professor of internal medicine.
Q: A friend went to the doctor, thinking he had the swine flu, but it was an upper respiratory infection. When should I go to the doctor?
A: Symptoms of influenza and the common cold can be similar. Most who have had 2009 H1N1 influenza have gotten better without medical treatment or medication. However, people with severe symptoms or at high risk for complications should contact their doctors. Patients with warning symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness or confusion, should go the emergency room.
Q: What’s your advice about prevention?
A: The best way to prevent yourself from getting the H1N1 influenza is getting vaccinated. There also are some everyday practices that can lower your risk of getting the flu. These include avoiding contact with sick people, washing hands often with soap and water, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Remember, if you have symptoms of influenza, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever resolves and avoid contact with others.
