Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos, M.D. is a Board Certified family Practice Physician in Melbourne, FL. Her recommendations regarding the Novel H1N1 Flu, otherwise known as Swine Flu, are the same as those outlined by the Brevard County Health Department and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Signs and symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, runny nose, or congestion, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, may have nausea and vomiting.
There are five target groups recommended to receive the Novel H1N1 Flu vaccine:
1. Pregnant Women
2. Health care workers and emergency medical responders
3. People who live with or care for infants under 6 months of age
4. Children and adults from 6 months-24 years
5. People age 25-64 years of age with underlying medical conditions.
As homemakers and companions fit in at least one or more of the targeted groups it would be strongly encouraged they receive this vaccination for their protection as well as the clients for whom they provide care. Not only would this be considered a self health care measure, it is vital for their ability to provide continuous care to those they presently assist. If a care worker becomes ill, the individuals they assist could become exposed or be without the services of the workers they need for daily care and companionship.
The seniors who employ these care workers have a right to request their helpers receive this vaccine. Seniors who do have underlying medical conditions are also identified as one of the target groups and could benefit from receiving the vaccine. It is important to note the influenza vaccine is actually a two shot series which takes two weeks before immunity will start.
In addition to both the Health Department and CDC vaccine recommendations, Dr. Haridopolos also recommends the following steps to stay healthy:
• Stay healthy by staying informed of any updates throughout flu season.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly through personal contact by the coughing and sneezing of infected people. It is important to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and discard the tissue immediately.
• Frequent hand washing with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers which are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to avoid spreading germs.
If the H1N1 flu or another seasonal flu does take hold, stay home and limit contact with others. Once diagnosed, those who become infected must stay home from work or school for at least one week from when symptoms began. It is imperative to drink plenty of fluids, get adequate rest and contact your physician if the condition continues to worsen over the course of a few days.
BIO:
Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos received her medical education at the A.U.C. School of medicine. She completed her residency in Family Practice at Albany, NY. She is a Diplomat of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a Board Member of the Brevard County Medical Society. Dr. Haridopolos is Board Certified in Family Practice and with Omni Healthcare since 2002. Along with her husband, State Senator Mike Haridopolos, and their three children, she resides in Merrit Island, FL. Dr. Haridopolos and her family, continue to follow the measures listed in this article in their continued commitment to remain flu free. Be proactive and stay healthy as we all weather this fall flu season.
There are five target groups recommended to receive the Novel H1N1 Flu vaccine:
1. Pregnant Women
2. Health care workers and emergency medical responders
3. People who live with or care for infants under 6 months of age
4. Children and adults from 6 months-24 years
5. People age 25-64 years of age with underlying medical conditions.
As homemakers and companions fit in at least one or more of the targeted groups it would be strongly encouraged they receive this vaccination for their protection as well as the clients for whom they provide care. Not only would this be considered a self health care measure, it is vital for their ability to provide continuous care to those they presently assist. If a care worker becomes ill, the individuals they assist could become exposed or be without the services of the workers they need for daily care and companionship.
The seniors who employ these care workers have a right to request their helpers receive this vaccine. Seniors who do have underlying medical conditions are also identified as one of the target groups and could benefit from receiving the vaccine. It is important to note the influenza vaccine is actually a two shot series which takes two weeks before immunity will start.
In addition to both the Health Department and CDC vaccine recommendations, Dr. Haridopolos also recommends the following steps to stay healthy:
• Stay healthy by staying informed of any updates throughout flu season.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly through personal contact by the coughing and sneezing of infected people. It is important to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and discard the tissue immediately.
• Frequent hand washing with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers which are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to avoid spreading germs.
If the H1N1 flu or another seasonal flu does take hold, stay home and limit contact with others. Once diagnosed, those who become infected must stay home from work or school for at least one week from when symptoms began. It is imperative to drink plenty of fluids, get adequate rest and contact your physician if the condition continues to worsen over the course of a few days.
BIO:
Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos received her medical education at the A.U.C. School of medicine. She completed her residency in Family Practice at Albany, NY. She is a Diplomat of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a Board Member of the Brevard County Medical Society. Dr. Haridopolos is Board Certified in Family Practice and with Omni Healthcare since 2002. Along with her husband, State Senator Mike Haridopolos, and their three children, she resides in Merrit Island, FL. Dr. Haridopolos and her family, continue to follow the measures listed in this article in their continued commitment to remain flu free. Be proactive and stay healthy as we all weather this fall flu season.
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