FLU PRECAUTIONS

I write this letter in response to the Sept. 17 article entitled “Precautions for flu season.”

We are living in the era where health is guaranteed to be just a “shot” away, depending on which new vaccine is for sale. As stated by Grant County Health District Public Information Officer Theresa Fuller, “A yearly seasonal flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal flu,” and then goes on to say you need a vaccine for each month for five months and then there is swine flu vaccine (coming soon) and then you need antiviral drugs.

She finally mentions the second most important steps to prevent contacting the flu, which in my opinion is the most important step one can take to prevent contracting and spreading of flues and other diseases. Hygiene is simple and safe and cheap. You don’t need a prescription to do it and there are no side effects. Wash your hands and avoid using infected people’s towels and personal items. The second is reduce sore throats with gargling and reduce nasal congestion — all with salt water and herbal medicines. Sounds inexpensive? It is and safer and more effective.

Dr. Kris Dexter

Moses Lake