Bad Year for the Flu…..

Posted on: 2013 01 14

I wanted to address the Flu season in a blog this month.  As you might already know, the flu season is hitting the country early and hard.  Seniors, babies, pregnant women and people with a chronic condition are especially susceptible.   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting that most of the country is experiencing high levels of influenza and influenza like illness.  Symptoms of the flu include:  

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting and diarrhea (his is not common with most people and is more common with children)

  Most people who get the flu recover within a few days to two weeks however some people develop more serious complications like bronchitis, pneumonia and sinus and ear infections.   Here are some simple things you can do to prevent the spread of the flu:  

• Get vaccinated.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.
• If you don’t have a tissue handy, “capture” your cough or sneeze in the crook of your elbow.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.  Say the say your “ABC’s” while you wash.  This is how long you should wash your hands!
• Avoid sick people.
• If you have flu like symptoms, stay home!
• If you are sick, limit contact with other people.

  Be well.