These snacks are easy to bring to work, and they may help to boost your immune health because they’re packed with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients:

• Berries. Blueberries and blackberries are rich in the antioxidant anthocyanin, which has been shown to strengthen the immune system. Strawberries are high in vitamin C, which may help to boost immunity.

• Guacamole. Avocados contain healthy fats, and they’re rich in vitamin E and folate, which work to support the immune system. Guacamole comes in single-serve containers, and it pairs well with sliced vegetables like red pepper, broccoli and carrots, which are rich in antioxidants and also help to boost immunity.

• Hummus. Chickpeas are one of the few plant-based foods containing zinc, which people often reach for in tablet form when they’re coming down with a cold. They’re also rich in vitamin B-6, which helps you stay healthy. Hummus made from chickpeas comes in single-serve containers, like guacamole does, and it also pairs nicely with fresh-cut veggies.

• Peanut butter. This pantry staple is rich in vitamin E, which helps your body fight infection. Eat it on whole-grain crackers, or spread it on apple slices for a fruity, nutty snack.

• Dark chocolate. Can chocolate help to improve your health? Research has shown that dark chocolate (not milk or white chocolate) is rich in flavonoids, antioxidants that help the immune system fight inflammation. Choose chocolate that contains at least 70 percent cacao to help boost immunity, and only eat a small serving, because it’s high in fat.

• Almonds. Like many nuts and seeds, almonds are high in immune-boosting vitamin E. Eat a small handful for a protein-packed snack.

• Salmon. It’s not a traditional snack food, but salmon is rich in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which help to support your immune system. If you have leftovers from dinner, consider eating half a serving of salmon at snacktime, or spread canned salmon on whole-grain crackers.

• Chicken soup. For generations, grandmothers have been offering family members chicken soup whenever they’re feeling rundown. It isn’t research-proven to boost the immune system, but the combination of ingredients – antioxidant-rich vegetables, plus chicken, which contains zinc – may help to keep you healthier. Microwaveable, single-serve containers are easy to pack for work.

Don’t expect dietary changes alone to boost your immune system. To stay healthy:

• Eat healthy foods, including healthy snacks

• Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night

• Exercise at moderate intensity for at least 30 minutes a day

• Take steps to reduce the amount of stress in your life

• Quit smoking, if you’re a smoker

• Wash your hands often

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Kristi Kosarin, D.O.
• To make an appointment with Dr. Kosarin, or a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

The post 8 Workday Snacks That May Boost Your Immune System appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

What Is a hemorrhoid?

“A hemorrhoid is essentially an engorged or swollen blood vessel,” says Sameet Shah, D.O., a gastroenterologist at Mountainside Medical Group.

Hemorrhoids can be inside or outside your body. With external hemorrhoids, you can see them and they tend to hurt. With internal hemorrhoids, you don’t see or feel them, but a symptom might be bleeding during a bowel movement.

The most common cause of hemorrhoids is due to constipation or straining while using the toilet. Women are prone to hemorrhoids during pregnancy and after giving birth because of the increased pressure on the pelvic floor and hormonal changes that can lead to constipation. Children and adolescents can also get hemorrhoids.

At-home Hemorrhoid Remedies

“I tell my patients that the most important thing they can do for a hemorrhoid is to let it heal by not straining when having a bowel movement and avoiding constipation,” says Dr. Shah. Straining increases pressure and prevents the hemorrhoid from shrinking.

To deal with the underlying problem of constipation and straining, Kulvir S. Nandra, M.D., a colorectal surgeon at Mountainside, offers a few tips:

• Eat foods high in fiber, such as bananas, pears, strawberries, avocados, carrots, beets, broccoli, spinach, legumes, lentils, oats, nuts, seeds and sweet potatoes.
• Increase your water intake.
• Consider taking an over-the-counter fiber supplement.
• Soak in a sitz bath – a warm and shallow bath – by filling a tub with a few inches of warm water and sitting in the water for 15 or 20 minutes.

If you see a doctor for hemorrhoids, they might prescribe hydrocortisone that can be applied directly or in the form of a suppository. “For most of my patients, a high-fiber diet plus sitz baths and hydrocortisone works,” says Dr. Shah. The bleeding stops, the sensation goes away and that’s usually the end of it.

The Three Worst Things You Can Do

1. Spend too much time on the toilet. “Having good bowel habits means eating a healthy diet and spending no more than five minutes on the toilet,” says Dr. Nandra.
2. Over-wipe or wipe aggressively. Use plain, unscented, hypoallergenic wipes; wet tissue; cotton balls; or a bidet to clean yourself.
3. Not call your doctor when it could be something more serious. “Any kind of rectal bleeding should be checked out by a doctor, especially if it is associated with unintended weight loss or anemia,” says Dr. Shah. These symptoms could be a sign of something more serious. It’s important to listen to your body, and if something doesn’t feel right, it’s best to get evaluated by a medical professional.

Surgical Options

If you’ve exhausted at-home remedies and medical options, and still have issues related to hemorrhoids, the next step may be to see a colorectal surgeon. Many procedures can be performed in the office, such as what’s called hemorrhoid banding or hemorrhoid sclerotherapy:

• Banding involves wrapping a small rubber band around the hemorrhoid, which causes it to shrink and fall off. “This procedure is painless, quick and done in the office,” says Dr. Nandra.
• Sclerotherapy is similar but involves a special injection that cuts off blood supply to the hemorrhoid, which causes it to fall off.

If hemorrhoids are severe and keep coming back, several outpatient, same-day procedures are available that involve undergoing sedation similar to a colonoscopy:

• Hemorrhoid ligation, which is similar to rubber-banding but with a suture.
• Hemorrhoidectomy, which is where the hemorrhoid is cut out.
• Stapled hemorrhoidectomy, which involves using a stapler device for larger hemorrhoids.
• Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD), which is an ultrasound-guided minimally invasive technique to target the blood supply to a hemorrhoid.

Your medical team will work with you to decide which procedure is right for you.

The Bottom Line

“The sooner we treat the issue, the sooner you will feel better,” says Dr. Nandra. It is possible to treat hemorrhoids with simpler methods, but waiting too long could lead to surgery.

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our sources: Sameet Shah, D.O., and Kulvir S. Nandra, M.D. To make an appointment with a doctor near you, visit our website.
• Learn more about comprehensive gastrointestinal services at Mountainside Medical Group
• How gut health is linked to mental health
• Does your child have digestive issues?

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

The post The Best and Worst Things You Can Do for Hemorrhoids appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

Why Get a Flu Vaccine

• A flu vaccine can reduce your risk of flu illness by 40%–60%
• In 2019–2020, flu vaccination prevented an estimated:
  • 7.5 million flu illnesses
  • 3.7 million flu-related medical visits
  • 105,000 flu-related hospitalizations
  • 6,300 flu-associated deaths

What Makes a Flu Vaccine Effective

At least two factors play an important role in determining the likelihood that the flu vaccine will protect a person from flu illness:

1. Characteristics of the person being vaccinated (age and health)
2. Similarity or “match” between the flu viruses the flu vaccine is designed to protect against and the flu viruses spreading in the community

When to Get Your Flu Vaccine

• Get a flu vaccine every year
• Get your flu vaccine by the end of October

Other Ways to Prevent the Flu

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick
2. Stay home if you’re sick
3. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
4. Wash your hands often with soap and water
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

Next Steps & Resources:

• To make an appointment with a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• When should you get your flu shot?
• 12 facts you probably didn’t know about the flu

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

The post By the Numbers: Getting Ahead of Flu Season appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

During the pandemic, dentists have seen an increase in the number of their patients who report teeth grinding and jaw clenching, according to a survey conducted by the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute. The increase is believed to be related to the rise in stress levels throughout the pandemic.

If you clench or grind your teeth at night, you may or may not know that you’re doing it. Often, a sleep partner first alerts someone that they’re grinding their teeth.

“Sometimes, people have the condition diagnosed by a doctor or dentist, because teeth grinding – which is called bruxism – can cause tooth damage, discomfort or other symptoms which may send them to the doctor or dentist,” says dentist Christian Madsen, DMD.

Symptoms of nighttime teeth grinding

Some people who grind their teeth at night may wake up with:

• Headaches
• Jaw pain
• Neck pain
• Sore or sensitive teeth
• Earaches

Over time, grinding your teeth at night may lead to problems, including:

• Tooth pain
• Tooth damage, including fractures, as teeth become worn down from the grinding
• Loosened teeth
• Gum soreness
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which may cause jaw clicking, muscle pain and chewing difficulties

Who is at risk of nighttime teeth grinding?

Nighttime teeth grinding is a problem that runs in some families. It’s also more common in children than adults; many people who grind their teeth as kids or teens outgrow the habit over time. It’s less common as people age, with older adults doing it least frequently.

Adults who grind their teeth at night may be more likely to have certain health conditions, including:

• Sleep apnea
• Loud snoring
• Acid reflux
• Parkinson’s disease
• Huntington disease

Additionally, people may be more likely to grind their teeth at night if they:

• Smoke
• Drink caffeinated beverages
• Consume alcohol
• Take certain types of prescription antidepressants
• Use illegal drugs
• Have misaligned or crooked teeth

Treatments for nighttime teeth grinding

A dentist may diagnose and treat nighttime teeth grinding, based on physical wear that they notice on the teeth, complaints about unpleasant symptoms or a combination of the two.

When people clench their teeth during the daytime, they can go for physical therapy or learn relaxation strategies to gradually quit the habit. However, these strategies don’t work when teeth clenching or grinding happens while someone is sleeping, because the habit is unconscious. Fortunately, there are other ways to manage nighttime teeth grinding.

Possible solutions for nighttime teeth grinding include:

• Wearing a fitted mouth guard that prevents the teeth from rubbing together
• Taking prescription muscle relaxants for a short time frame
• Managing stressors in your life to reduce anxiety and stress
• Learning relaxation training or other strategies to lower overall stress levels

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Christian Madsen, DMD, chair, Department of Dentistry, Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
• To make an appointment with Dr. Madsen or a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

The post What Does It Mean If You Grind Your Teeth at Night? appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

After a summer of spotted lantern fly invasions and murder hornets, mosquitoes are back for a piece of the action.

As reports of West Nile virus (WNV) are on the rise, our infectious disease specialist, Cristina Cicogna, M.D., shares bite-sized information about the mosquito transmitted virus.

What is West Nile virus?

“West Nile Virus is the most common cause of infectious disease spread by mosquitoes to humans in the U.S.,” Dr. Cicogna shares. “While found in over 300 species of birds, this virus can also infect other animals like dogs, cats, horses, squirrels and other mammals.”

Which mosquitoes carry West Nile virus?

The mosquito species, Culex pipiens, are identified as the primary spreader of West Nile virus. These buggers are often referred to as the common house mosquito or the northern house mosquito, and are found in urban and suburban areas.

Why do mosquitoes carry disease?

Mosquitoes can carry an array of diseases, like Zika virus or malaria, and their thirst for blood is essential for disease transmission.

“There is a transfer of fluids between you and the mosquito at the time of the bite,” shares Dr. Cicogna. “When an infected mosquito bites you, they draw in your blood, and leave their saliva behind, directly inoculating the virus in your bloodstream.”

“Not all mosquitoes carry diseases, most species just cause a pesky annoyance,” Dr. Cicogna adds.

What are symptoms of West Nile virus?

Most people will not develop symptoms from West Nile virus.

According to the CDC, about one in five will develop a fever along with the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Body ache
• Rash
• Joint pain
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Weakness

In about one in 150 cases the virus will infect the brain or the nerve cells resulting in a more serious illness, resulting in symptoms of severe headache, disorientation, coma, tremors or paralysis.

There is no vaccine to prevent West Nile virus or specific medicines for treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help to bring down your fever and alleviate some discomfort.

How long after a mosquito bite do you get West Nile?

Signs and symptoms of West Nile virus usually appear within four to ten days after being bitten.

What are mosquitoes attracted to?

“There are many contributing factors to why a mosquito may choose you to bite – the way you’re dressed, your scent, what you eat or even your genetic makeup,” Dr. Cicogna adds.

Mosquitoes are attracted to:

• Stagnant water
• Dark, bold colors like black or navy blue
• Floral perfumes found in deodorants, lotions and bath products
• Strong body odor
• Alcohol consumption
• Blood type O
• Carbon dioxide (working out may draw them to you as you exhale more frequently)
• Pregnant women

How do I stop getting bitten by mosquitos?

“The best way to protect yourself from mosquitoes is to take the proper safety precautions while hanging outside,” advises Dr. Cicogna.

• Wear clothing that covers your arms, legs and feet
• Wear loosely fit clothing, mosquitoes will bite through tight clothes
• Use insect repellent
• Use screens and netting to protect your indoor spaces
• Remove any areas of standing water where mosquitoes like to breed. For standing water that cannot be removed and will not be used for drinking, consider treatment with a product that kills the mosquito larvae. Be sure to always follow the product label instructions.

“Mosquitos are most active in the warmer weather, so most bites and infections will happen during the summer and warmer months. However, don’t let the fall season fool you, it’s still fairly warm and it may be a few more weeks before they enter hibernation.”

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Cristina Cicogna, M.D.
• To make an appointment with a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• Should You Still Be Concerned About Zika Virus?

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

The post What is West Nile Virus & Should I Be Worried? appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

“Mental fatigue, also known as neuro fatigue, is a common phenomenon in patients who have a neurological illness and is very different from physical fatigue. Most people have no idea it exists unless they’ve experienced it personally or know someone who has gone through the same thing,” says Krupa Shah Pandey, M.D., director of the MS Center at Hackensack University Medical Center and assistant professor of neurology at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.

What Causes Neuro Fatigue?

The most important step in recognizing mental fatigue is to rule out secondary causes: depression, extreme stress, medications, other medical illnesses and, most importantly, poor sleep. “Our brain uses many different pathways to coordinate and carry out our day-to-day activities,” Dr. Pandey says. “If we have a neurological disorder that affects the function of our brain, the circuits that keep us awake are affected, which can overtax an already challenged system.”

Scientists are still investigating the different causes of what makes someone at higher risk for mental fatigue after a neurological condition than others. What is well known is mental fatigue can be overwhelming, interfere with personal, social and work life, and even stop those who have it in their tracks.

Who Experiences Neuro Fatigue?

Mental fatigue goes beyond the ordinary fatigue we all deal with at some point. It strikes those with neurologic conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke and infections that have impacted the neurological system. “Most neurological conditions have very high incidences of mental fatigue. In MS, it can occur in up to 80 percent of patients and even be the presenting feature,” Dr. Pandey says.

Treatment and Prevention

Easing mental fatigue can be approached from two angles: treating the underlying disease so it doesn’t get worse and treating the symptom of fatigue itself. Removing any secondary causes that can contribute to fatigue is also important. Your doctor will know what procedures and tests to order to evaluate you for depression, thyroid disease and sleep disorders.

Fatigue-preventing measures can include:

• Energy management strategies (being aware of how much physical and mental energy it takes to go about your day and making adjustments where possible to conserve energy)
• Ranking the importance of planned activities and carrying out more pressing ones first
• Alternating between “heavy” and “light” tasks
• Using cooling devices and scheduling activities during cooler parts of the day
• Breaking tasks into stages
• Pacing yourself
• Exercise
• Getting a good night’s rest
• Eating a well-balanced diet that avoids processed foods
• Promoting an environment that reduces stress via mindfulness training

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Krupa Shah Pandey, M.D. To make an appointment with Dr. Pandey or a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
• Learn about our complete lineup of neuroscience services
• How to beat brain fog

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

The post What Is Neuro Fatigue? appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

“As we age, our bladder changes,” says Southern Ocean Medical Center urologist Charles P. Fernicola, M.D. “Elastic bladder issue becomes less stretchy, so it can’t hold as much urine as before. The bladder wall and pelvic floor muscles can also weaken, which makes it hard to fully empty the bladder and causes urine to leak.”

Here are 10 signs you should see a doctor for bladder issues:

1. Bladder leakage
2. Frequent need to urinate more than eight times during the day and more than two times at night
3. Sudden and urgent need to urinate
4. Pain or burning before, during or after urinating
5. Cloudy urine
6. Bloody urine
7. Frequently passing just small amounts of urine
8. Strong-smelling urine
9. Pain during sexual intercourse
10. Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen

If you’re experiencing any of these or other bladder issues, help is available. ”If you’re being bothered by urinary issues, talk with your doctor or make an appointment with a urologist or urogynecologist,” says urogynecologist Kevin Gioia, M.D. “Whether it’s a bladder infection, kidney infection or other issue, they can pinpoint the problem and help you find relief.”

Next Steps & Resources: 

• Meet our sources: Charles P. Fernicola, M.D. and Kevin Gioia, M.D. To make an appointment with a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
• Learn more about urology services at Hackensack Meridian Health
• 7 conditions that affect men more than women
• Why people get kidney stones

Provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

The post 10 Signs You Should See a Doctor for Bladder Issues appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

Unfortunately, kids aren’t immune either. Roughly 2.5 percent of children will get a UTI in their lifetime, though girls are more likely than boys to get one, and they’re most common in children under 5 years old.

Symptoms of a UTI may include:

• Pelvic pain
• Increased urge to urinate
• Pain and burning with urination
• Blood in urine

If left untreated for too long, a UTI can lead to a kidney infection, nausea, vomiting and fever.

“Generally speaking, the symptoms for kids are sometimes similar to adults and sometimes different,” says Harry Koo, M.D., pediatric urologist and chief of Pediatric Urology at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center. “In older, more verbal kids, they can tell you they had an accident or burning during urination. But in younger kids, sometimes the only sign is a fever.”

At-home Treatments

Common home remedies for children and adults include:

• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Taking a probiotic
• Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice
• Increasing Vitamin C intake
• Supplements such as D-Mannose, cranberry extract and garlic extract

Some uncomplicated UTIs clear on their own, but most will need to be treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin. Should you need to seek medical help for worsening symptoms, a doctor will do a urine culture to determine which bacteria is at play and which antibiotic will be the most effective against it.

“We treat UTIs with oral antibiotics for anywhere between five and 14 days, depending on how severe the infection is,” Dr. Koo says. “But if it’s really bad, some children and adults will have to be admitted to the hospital to receive intravenous antibiotics.”

If you think you or your child might have a UTI, call your doctor before trying to treat the infection yourself. Catching it and treating it early could make all the difference.

How to Avoid a UTI

While UTIs are common, they’re not inevitable and they can be prevented. Here are a few practices that can help you avoid a UTI:

• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Urinating when the need arises
• Wiping from front to back (for girls and women)
• Eating foods with probiotics or taking a supplement
• Practicing good sexual hygiene

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Harry Koo, M.D. To make an appointment with Dr. Koo or a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
• Learn more about urology services for adults and children.
• Why people get kidney stones
• 5 women’s health signs you shouldn’t ignore

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

The post How to Get Rid of a UTI appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

Symptoms of Seasonal Depression

Depression is distinctly different from everyday feelings of sadness or fatigue that can be brought on by life’s ups and downs. Seasonal depression is marked by some specific symptoms including:

• Sleeping more than usual and feeling drowsy during the day
• Loss of interest in activities that once brought you joy
• Feeling irritable and anxious
• Feeling guilty and hopeless
• Decreased libido
• Trouble focusing or concentrating
• Increased appetite and cravings for carbohydrates
• Physical symptoms, such as headaches
• Thoughts of suicide or death

“Although the cause of SAD is not completely understood, it is thought that decreased sunlight in the fall and winter can disrupt your body’s circadian rhythm, causing feelings of depression,” says Ram Mahato, M.D., medical director of the Center for Behavioral Health at JFK University Medical Center Center. “This change in sunlight and season can also affect your body’s levels of serotonin and melatonin, two hormones that affect your mood.”

Combating Seasonal Depression

Although you can’t stop the changing of the seasons, there are a few things you can do to combat seasonal depression.

1. Stay Active: Exercise is a great way to naturally combat the imbalance of brain neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine) that can contribute to depression. “When we exercise, our bodies produce endorphins, which are mood-boosting hormones that counteract serotonin and dopamine deficiencies that can bring us down,” says Adriana Phan, M.D., psychiatrist located in Hackensack, New Jersey. Pick an activity you enjoy; it doesn’t have to be a chore. Gardening, walking, dancing and even playing with your kids are all good forms of exercise.

2. Eat Healthily: Our diets do more than provide us energy; they also impact our mental health. A healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits and low in highly processed foods can help curb feelings of depression by reducing inflammation in our bodies, which is a risk factor for depression.

3. Stay Connected: Social connections can be a great defense against depression. Whether you talk on the phone, video chat or meet in person, keep in regular contact with friends and family for a healthy and happy mind. “Experiencing depression of any kind is not a sign of weakness and shouldn’t be dealt with alone,” says Kristen Clark, M.D., medical director of Outpatient Adult Behavioral Health Services at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, ask your doctor what treatment options are available.”

4. Get Outside: Even on a cloudy day, go outside for a walk or to eat lunch at a park. Get as much sunlight as you can: Sit or work close to a window, open your blinds or trim trees blocking sunlight.

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Ram Mahato, M.D., Adriana Phan, M.D. and Kristen Clark, M.D. To make an appointment with a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
• Find a mental health provider near you if you’re feeling severe depression or anxiety
• Panic Attack or Anxiety Attack? How to Tell the Difference
• How to Use Aromatherapy to Help Ease Anxiety

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

The post 4 Things You Can Do Today to Fend Off Seasonal Depression Tomorrow appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

Mask-wearing to protect against seasonal flu should work together with other measures, including vaccination, hand-washing, social-distancing and quarantining when you feel sick, says Ali Jaffry, M.D., infectious disease specialist at Palisades Medical Center.

Best Way to Prevent the Flu 

Thankfully, there is a highly effective vaccine for the seasonal flu, which is the most effective line of defense against the virus. Good hand hygiene and avoiding people who are symptomatic are also essential to staying healthy.

“Masks certainly save lives when it comes to COVID-19, especially with current and future variants,” says Nazar Raoof, M.D., chair of infectious disease at Raritan Bay Medical Center. “But when it comes to the flu season, a mask alone is not good enough to protect yourself. The most effective way to protect yourself from the flu every season is to get an annual flu vaccine.”

Influenza is spread through droplets, which can travel through the air and be inhaled or land on surfaces and be transferred to the eyes, nose and mouth by touch. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) only recommends that those working in health care settings wear masks specifically for protection against the flu.

If You Are Sick

It’s important to understand that wearing a mask is not a substitute for quarantining if you are sick. “Along with getting vaccinated and hand-washing, wearing a mask can be a preventive measure, but if you are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness such as a fever, cough or shortness of breath, a mask is not effective enough to stop you from infecting others,” says Pankaj Doshi, M.D., infectious disease specialist at Bayshore Medical Center. “Anyone who feels sick should stay home and seek medical help if they have shortness of breath or a fever of 100.3 degrees or higher.”,

People who cannot receive a flu vaccine due to a life-threatening allergy or history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome should speak with their doctor about the most effective prevention strategy for their unique health concerns.

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our sources: Nazar Raoof, M.D., Pankaj Doshi, M.D. and Ali Jaffry, M.D. To make an appointment with a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
• Find a doctor near you
• When should you get your flu shot?
• 12 facts you probably didn’t know about the flu

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

The post Should I Wear a Mask During Flu Season? appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.