Ah, winter. The season brings on carefree thoughts of fluffy piles of snow, drinking warm cider by a roaring fire, and skating on frozen lakes.
But illness, injury and death stalk the unwary who don't protect themselves from flu, pneumonia and the deadly aspects of freezing temperatures, snow and ice.Now's the time to protect yourself from flu and pneumonia by getting vaccinations from your doctor, according to health authorities.
The flu shot must be given each year to protect people from the type of strain most likely to be hitting the United States that year. To protect throughout the season, it should be given no later than November.
Health experts say people who received the shot in August and September and who are at high risk for death or serious illness from the flu should consult their doctors about a booster shot, because protection may not last through the season.
High-risk people are those who are 65 or older, people with such chronic health problems as diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease or severe anemia. People taking medication that reduces the body's resistance to infection also are at risk.
Flu outbreaks tend to be more prevalent from January through March.
The best treatment for both colds and flu is a regimen of rest, nutritious foods and lots of fluids. Use over-the-counter medications only if absolutely necessary because they often have unwanted side effects, such as dryness of the mouth, dizziness and sleepiness.
The side effects can be especially hard on the elderly, who are at high risk for falling.
Pneumonia is another killer that can have a number of causes, including a secondary infection of influenza or a cold. People at risk for pneumonia are the same ones who are at high risk for influenza.
The pneumococcal vaccine is a one-time shot that protects from that type of bacterial pneumonia. However, since experts are deliberating whether re-vaccination should be given every three to five years, those at high risk should consult their doctors.
Why are colds and flu so prevalent in the winter months?
Mainly because people tend to congregate inside and in close quarters in the winter, experts say.
The best way to avoid colds, flu and intestinal viruses is to wash your hands frequently.
People also need to be concerned about overexertion during the winter, health officials say.
The reason? People who are not normally active often try to shovel snow, a strenuous activity compounded by the cold and weight of the snow. Because they're out in the cold, the blood vessels tend to constrict, raising blood pressure. The blood pressure is further elevated by the type of lifting required to shovel snow. If the person has a heart condition or cardiovascular problems, a heart attack could occur.
Accidents are another hazard during winter, resulting from icy conditions and long, dark nights.
People, especially the elderly, tend to try to save money by using low-wattage bulbs. But these same people are more likely to fall because they can't see very well.
The elderly also are more likely to slip on ice and often can become severely debilitated.
Exposure to cold is another major killer. Each year, about 780 people in the United States die from exposure. Between 1979 and 1990, 9,362 deaths in the United States were attributed to excessive cold.
People at highest risk for hypothermia are the elderly, the very young, the homeless, alcoholics and people who take medications that reduce their resistance to cold.
To avoid overexposure to cold, people should wear layered clothing, gloves and headgear. And they should remain dry and avoid alcoholic beverages.
People who try to save energy by turning down the thermostat could be at risk, especially if they're elderly or have a health problem. The thermostat shouldn't be set lower than 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
During especially cold weather, people sometimes use propane stoves or charcoal grills inside to supplement heat. This can be extremely dangerous because it brings carbon monoxide into the home.
Children, who like to play in the wet and snow, also are vulnerable to cold and frostbite. Parents should make sure their children are bundled up in cold weather, with layered clothes.
Keeping dry also is important. Waterproofed boots, or a bread sack over socks before the shoes are put on, help keep feet dry.
The same general idea works for keeping kids dry in snowy or wet weather. If kids don't have a raincoat to put on over their regular coats, they can get protection by cutting head and arm holes in a plastic trash bag and wearing it over their clothes.