Author: Terri Shearer
The Flu and You With the outbreak of major influenza this year, how do you protect yourself and your loved ones? Of the 50 states in the US, 44 states are considered to be in a major epidemic status. As if the epidemic wasn't enough, we're now finding that there are over 2000 strains of flu virus this year and that few strains were included in the flu vaccines. So now we wait and see how much worse it can get! Just yesterday in one state, a 20 year old and a 3 year old died - so it just isn't fatal for elder persons. Schools are closing at rates we haven't seen in years. One school district had 200 teachers absent! Admitedly, that must have been a large school district but impressive numbers nonetheless. Wash your hands thoroughly as often as you can. Keep your fingers and hands away from your face, eyes, nose, and mouth. Any open oriface is a place where germs can invade your body. If someone is coughing, ask them to cover their mouth and then use a bacterial hand cleanser or wash their hands. If you or your child are ill, stay home. Stay away from the hospital. Unless it is truly an emergency, the hospitals are too overwhelmed to help you. Go to an urgent care facility; Walgreens has recently set up clinics. If you are caring for a loved one who is old or ill, immediately contact their doctor. If you as a caregiver gets ill, try to remove yourself from the house and ask for help. The flu season is still alive and well and has not even peaked in most states. Stay informed, healthy, start the countdown until Spring.
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