Phoenix pharmacy professor provides tips for flu season
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With flu season ramping up, staying informed could be your best defense! We caught up with assistant professor of pharmacy practice Jane E. Stein, PharmD, to learn some tips and tricks to staying healthy this season.
The flu can be very dangerous. There have been over 600 confirmed cases this year, and half of those cases are in Maricopa County.
— Jane E. Stein, PharmD, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Why is it important to be prepared for flu season?
Stein: The flu can be very dangerous. There have been over 600 confirmed cases this year, and half of those cases are in Maricopa County. It is very prevalent. That number is 200% higher than the average for the last five years.
Myth-buster: Can the flu shot give you the flu?
Stein: No, absolutely not. The flu shot is revised annually, and it is made from inactive proteins. There is no way that you can catch the flu from the flu shot.
What symptoms should we be aware of during flu season?
Stein: With the flu, you can expect symptoms such as chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, stuffy nose, running nose, cough and sore throat.
Stein Shares How to Prepare for the Flu Season
What are your top over-the-counter recommendations for flu season?
Stein: It depends on the symptoms you have. If you have chills, muscle aches or fever, you may want to use acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If you have a runny or stuffy nose, you can use an antihistamine or a decongestant. Products like throat lozenges can be helpful for sore throats, and saline nasal spray can be useful in moistening the nasal passages. There are also antivirals, which are prescriptions that need to be prescribed by a doctor.
How do you personally prepare for flu season as a pharmacist?
Stein: I like to be ready for flu season by being healthy in general. I follow the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, which keep me healthy year around. The pillars include:
- Restorative sleep: Getting 6-8 hours of sleep per night is optimal for your immunity.
- Plant-based diet: Following a plant-based or plant-forward diet increases the number of fruits and vegetables you are consuming. The vitamins and phytonutrients in fruits and vegetables boost immunity.
- Exercise: Increased heart rate and blood flow helps clear out viruses or bacteria you have picked up.
- Avoidance of risky substances: Smoking cigarettes or tobacco can make it difficult to clear toxins from your body.
- Social connection: Getting out and hiking with friends and family promotes breathing fresh air and connecting with others.
- Stress management: Healthy habits like deep breathing and yoga are really good for our bodies and immunity.
