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Buehler’s pharmacy gives advice on staying healthy during flu season

| September 29, 2015

COSHOCTON – Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect your health as the season begins to change. This year, Ritzman Pharmacy offers flu vaccinations to everyone over the age of nine, with two vaccines available at each of its locations throughout Northeast Ohio, and hosts employer flu clinics. As a neighborhood pharmacy, Ritzman Pharmacy is proud to offer some helpful tips on navigating flu season and what you can do to avoid the flu this year.

“Our commitment to our communities means bolstering everyday health, and a big part of that is taking the right precautions against influenza,” said Beth Husted, general manager of Central Services at Ritzman Pharmacy. “This year we’re hoping to not only offer flu shots at our locations throughout the region, but to offer helpful information on how to stop the spread of the flu in your community.”

Time of the Season

Flu season peaks from January through early March each year, but it’s helpful to get your flu shot well in advance for a few reasons. Flu vaccinations generally last about six months, so Ritzman recommends obtaining a flu shot around the beginning of October to protect yourself throughout peak season. Additionally, it’s important to get vaccinated before the flu begins to spread in your community. Flu vaccinations work by prompting your immune system to develop the antibodies necessary to protect against common flu strains, a process which takes about two weeks.

Who Gets the Flu?

The short answer: Everybody. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people ages six months and older should receive an annual flu vaccination. By Ohio law, registered pharmacists can provide standard flu vaccinations to all people over the age of seven without a prescription; for younger, consult with a physician. And while everyone should get a flu shot, the virus is more likely to cause serious complications in children under two, adults over 65 and pregnant women.

Everyday Mindfulness

Besides obtaining a flu shot, there are plenty of simple ways to keep yourself healthy and to help prevent the spread of flu to others:

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water to prevent the spread of germs.
  • Get enough rest. When you’re run down, your body is less able to fend off infections.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet. When you’re eating the right foods, your body can better defend itself from viruses.
  • Take a probiotic to balance good and bad bacteria in your digestive tract to support the effectiveness of your immune system.

Additionally, Ritzman Pharmacy offers a variety of probiotics and supplements available to boost your health as flu season approaches.

For information, visit www.ritzmanrx.com/shots-and-immunizations. For information about corporate flu clinics, call Husted at 330-335-2318 ext. 10061 or e-mail [email protected].

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Article contributed to The Beacon.

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