The Doctors: Flu Shot Alternatives
Many people are afraid of the flu shot, because they don’t like needles or for other personal reasons. Here are a few alternatives that may help those people be more comfortable getting a flu shot.
The Drs: Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine
If you hate needles but want to fend off the flu, check out these vaccine alternatives.
A young boy asked The Doctors what he can do about the flu shot, since he is afraid of needles. Pediatrician Dr. Jim Sears said ice applied directly to the skin for 10 to 20 seconds can numb the area and make the shot hurt less.
Dr. Lisa Masterson said she fears needles as an adult. There is an alternative for adults. It’s a Nasal Spray Vaccine, and it can be used on kids as young as age 2. But the nasal vaccination is not safe for pregnant women.
Fluzone Intradermal Needle Flu Shot
If you’re afraid of big needles, there’s a product that can put your fears to rest. It’s the new Fluzone Intradermal Needle, measuring just 1.6 millimeters. It barely breaks the skin, but it’s just as effective as the traditional shot. Ask your doctor, urgent care, or flu shot provider about the Fluzone Intradermal Needle if you’re not a fan of the big needle.
Flu Shot Alternatives: Flu Vaccine For Seniors
The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of six months gets vaccinated against the flu. Children and the elderly are especially susceptible to the influenza virus. Dr. Andrew Ordon said there’s a high dose vaccine specifically targeted to adults over age 65.
Dr. Travis Stork: Exercise & Flu Vaccine
Dr. Travis Stork shared a study that found working out before your vaccination can boost your body’s natural antibody response by acting white blood cells. It’s particularly effective in women. It was a small study, but it found that exercise really made a difference in the body’s production of immune cells.
The Drs TV: Germ-Proof Your Makeup Bag
Dr. Lisa Masterson shared ways you can protect your makeup bag from cold & flu germs for free this winter.
Metal Vs Plastic Lipstick
Choose metal instead of plastic lipstick containers. Metal doesn’t retain and transmit germs as readily as plastic.
Scoop, Scrape & Sharpen
You can also scoop, scrape, and sharpen your makeup. Scrape off the top layer of powder foundation. Scoop off the top layer of liquid cover-up, and sharpen your eye liner before each use. This keeps your makeup clean and germ-free.
The Doctors: Freeze Your Makeup Bag
Freeze out the flu by putting your entire makeup bag in the freezer about every three weeks. This kills bacteria and viruses to keep you healthy.
Lipstick Rubbing Alcohol Sanitizer
Dr. Lisa said you can also dip your lipstick in rubbing alcohol for about 10 seconds. This sanitizes your lipstick, which you don’t want to share during cold and flu season.
Dr. Andrew Ordon: Lip Balm Nose Treatment
The winter is prime time for raw noses, but Dr. Andrew Ordon had a solution. You can use lip balm to treat your raw nose.
You don’t want to use mentholated or scented lip balm, which can irritate your nose. Try to find something with natural ingredients and few preservatives.
The Doctors: Can Used Tissues Make You Sick
A woman complained that her sick husband leaves used tissues strewn around the house. That is totally disgusting. She wondered if she can get sick from cleaning up his tissues.
The answer is yes, because the tissues contain active mucus, which can spread to others in your household. Dr. Travis Stork reminded everyone that simply touching the tissue won’t get you sick. It’s touching germs and then touching your face that causes problems.
The Drs: Surprising Germ Spreaders
The Doctors shared some surprising but common ways we spread germs every day.
Money
Mucus can live on paper money for as long as 17 days.
Zippers
There are germs on the zipper of your pants, which you always touch before watching your hands.
Ketchup Packets
Fast food ketchup packets can be touched by thousands of people coming through fast food restaurants daily.
Dr. Travis said it’s less likely that you’ll get the flu through your mouth than through your nose or eyes.
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