| Influenza or the flu is still here. Reports from Iowa HHS indicate the flu continues to circulate in our community and in others in our state and country. Symptoms of flu include: fever, body aches, sometimes a headache, coughing, fatigue, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sometimes shortness of breath and it usually comes on quite suddenly.
FLU PREVENTION: Get your annual flu shot. Flu vaccines are still available. The flu vaccine does help to reduce the severity of the disease but does not guarantee you won’t get the flu. Wash your hands like it’s your job–because it is! It is your job to keep yourself and others healthy. Avoid shaking hands with people as much as possible right now–do you know where their hands have been? Steer clear of coughing and sneezing people. Cover your coughs and sneezes. Throw away used tissues. Keep surfaces clean. This includes wiping down light switches and door knobs, remote controls, your phone, the faucet and refrigerator handle, and other surfaces you touch frequently. Avoid airplanes, buses and trains, and other places where people are kept confined for extended periods. WHAT IF I ALREADY DON’T FEEL WELL?? STAY HOME! Please don’t share your “sick” germs with others! We are most contagious in the first few days of illness. If you feel yourself coming down with something, help others avoid getting the flu by going home as soon as possible, and avoiding going to work, the gym and public places until you’ve been without a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of medications. Keep in mind that while most people recover from the flu without needing medical care, serious complications do happen, and some people are at high risk for them, including adults age 65 and older, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions. If you’re at high risk for complications, contact your health care provider if you develop flu symptoms. (For adults, symptoms such as difficulty breathing, sudden dizziness, pain or pressure in the chest, or persistent or severe vomiting warrant a trip to the emergency room). Take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen as directed and if you can take with any other medications you may be taking. Drink plenty of fluid. Get additional rest. Contact your doctor about antivirals sooner instead of later.
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