Avoiding the Flu: Tips for those with a Weakened Immune System

Important tips on how to avoid the flu during this year's active season.

BY Bonnie Annis

PUBLISHED February 06, 2018

Bonnie Annis is a breast cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2014 with stage 2b invasive ductal carcinoma with metastasis to the lymph nodes. She is an avid photographer, freelance writer/blogger, wife, mother and grandmother.

 This year's flu season has been epic. In the news, we hear about cases of influenza all over the United States and health officials are warning us of the severity of this year's strain. The flu has been particularly devastating to the older and younger generations, but anyone can be affected. Many deaths have already been reported and more are expected.

Influenza, or the flu as it's more commonly known, is a virus. It is contagious and affects the respiratory system including the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. The flu is often mistaken for a bad cold, and although the symptoms are similar, cases of the flu tend to get worse before they get better.

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Bring Your Brave from the CDC

What Would You Do If Cancer Was Preventable?

What are your thoughts when you hear the word “cancer?” Fear? Or what about death? What if there was a way for you to prevent cancer? Well, for cervical cancer, there is!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2014, over 12,500 women in the United States were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and ultimately 4,115 of these cases were fatal. I bet you are wondering why the numbers are so high if it is preventable, right? Unfortunately, the truth is that many women are uneducated when it comes to the importance of their cervical health.

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month to help raise awareness about the importance of cervical health and how cervical cancer can be prevented.

Cervical cancer is primarily caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) which is most often spread by direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. It is a very common virus with more than 150 variant types, and fifteen of these types have been found to cause cancer. Most people, both male and female, will contract HPV at some point in their lifetime. The CDC estimates that about 79 million people in the U.S. are currently infected with HPV. However, in most cases, the virus will go away on its own, never becoming cancerous.

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