As flu season peaks, it’s imperative to understand exactly what the flu is, when to get the flu vaccine, and how you can prevent yourself from catching it. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important to get vaccinated, even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that flu activity is low at this time.
In the United States, flu season peaks between December and February, but can run until May.
During this time it is crucial to know the difference between the common cold and the influenza virus. Luckily, your trusted McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT are here to explain everything you need to know about the flu.
The flu is a contagious respiratory disease brought on by influenza viruses, and which can result in severe infections in the nose, throat, and even the lungs. Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the illness.
During flu season, it is vital to be aware of the fact that there are two separate flu strains, type A and type B.
These two strains are the source of the seasonal flu epidemics that generally occur every year. Type B flu is only found in humans and generally causes a less severe reaction when compared to type A. Another important distinction is that type B does not result in pandemics.
Depending on the type of flu strain that is affecting you, and the severity of the illness, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
You might ask yourself why the flu vaccine is important. Despite the fact that the flu vaccine won’t help to protect you from COVID-19, it is proven to lessen the risk of catching the flu, being hospitalized, and — in the worst-case scenario — a flu-related death.
It is also worth noting that by getting the flu vaccine, you could be saving vital healthcare resources for those that have been infected with the coronavirus. The CDC states that the flu vaccine minimizes your risk of needing to pay a visit to the doctor by 40-60%.
Additionally, getting the flu vaccine is beneficial for those with chronic health problems because it can lower the rate of a cardiac event, can reduce hospitalizations related to chronic lung disease, and is associated with a lower risk of hospitalization for those with diabetes.
The flu vaccine is also helpful for women throughout and after pregnancy, school-aged children, and those who get vaccinated but still find themselves getting sick.
According to the CDC, throughout the 2018-2019 flu season, roughly 35.5 million people caught the virus, which resulted in about 34,000 deaths in the US. The best way to stay safe during flu season is to prevent yourself from catching it.
The best preventive measure to take during flu season is to get your flu shot. The next important steps you can take are:
By taking these precautions and taking care of yourself during flu season, not only are you saving yourself from catching the flu, but you are also protecting others from the illness.
Although the flu is not usually fatal, here at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT, we strongly urge those debating whether or not to get a flu shot to do so. By taking this preventive measure, you can save lives and keep those you love healthy.
If you experience symptoms that are similar to the flu, but which turn out to be allergies or sinuses, don’t hesitate to give us a call today.
Have you suffered from sinus problems and aren’t sure where to go next? Are allergy symptoms taking over your life?
If the answer to both of those questions is, “Yes,” you could be the perfect candidate for balloon sinuplasty. This procedure can greatly improve your quality of life by helping you to breathe easier and removing many of the troubling symptoms that come with sinus problems.
Your team of sinus relief specialists at Glatz Group of Valley ENT want to provide you with some insight into how balloon sinuplasty can be the optimal choice for you if you’re ready to live a life free of sinusitis.
Balloon sinuplasty is a safe and affordable procedure to fix many of your sinus-related issues.
Balloon sinuplasty was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005 and has since been used to treat over 375,000 individuals suffering from sinus problems.
During the procedure, our sinus doctor will put a small balloon in the sinus openings in order to expand them and improve drainage. After this part of the procedure is done, the balloon is then safely deflated and removed.
Amazingly, this non-invasive procedure does not require the removal of any tissue or bones, and has been said to be just as effective as conventional sinus surgery. Another benefit is that the balloon sinuplasty procedure can be performed in our McAllen ENT office, which means you save money and time by not having to stay overnight in a hospital.
If you suffer from chronic sinusitis that has not been effectively treated by over-the-counter or prescription medications, balloon sinuplasty could be the answer.
Individuals struggling with nasal congestion, coughing, headaches, or even bad breath due to sinus issues could also benefit from the procedure. If your sinusitis isn’t due to a deviated septum or nasal polyps, there is a good chance that balloon sinuplasty could be the answer to your problems.
However, if you are dealing with issues to the physical structure of your nose - such as a deviated septum - you will likely need the anatomical problem corrected through another procedure.
Otolaryngologists, also known as ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors specialize in performing balloon sinuplasty. Our sinus relief specialists at Glatz Group will perform a number of thorough exams in order to determine what procedure is right for you and to ensure that you are a prime candidate for balloon sinuplasty.
Ultimately, our goal is to provide the medical care and service that you need.
Not only is balloon sinuplasty less invasive than conventional sinus surgery, but it is also considered a safe alternative. Because balloon sinuplasty is not performed in an operating room at a hospital, which can greatly increase costs, the procedure is also a more cost-effective option. Additionally, the procedure is typically covered by most insurance companies.
Alongside being a less invasive and reasonably priced alternative, there’s also less downtime for recovery. This means less pain and bleeding that is associated with traditional sinus surgery.
Balloon sinuplasty also helps to preserve your healthy mucus membranes, nasal tissues, and structure.
And perhaps the biggest reason why you should choose balloon sinuplasty - you can rid yourself of the painful and bothersome symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis. An enhanced quality of life is something that you just can’t beat!
If you are looking for permanent relief from your chronic sinus pain, balloon sinuplasty could be a great option! If you are one of the 37 million Americans that suffer from sinusitis, the Glatz Group can help you get a new lease on life. Why spend one more day living in discomfort?
