Flu season has arrived and we are hoping to help you prevent it! The flu is a respiratory illness that can be mild or severe, and occasionally leads to death. A typical flu season may begin as early as October and last through March or April. It is very contagious and can cause more serious complications in higher risk patients, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions.
The best way to prevent the flu is to be vaccinated at the start of each new flu season. The 2011-2012 flu vaccine will protect against the three most common influenza viruses: an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus.
It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of the flu and to understand how it differs from the common cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly and is often accompanied by some or all of the following symptoms:
· Fever (although not everyone with the flu will experience a fever) or feeling feverish/chills
· Cough
· Sore throat
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Muscle or body aches
· Headaches
· Fatigue (tiredness)
· Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
Most people who get the flu will recover within a few days to less than 2 weeks. However, more severe symptoms and illness can develop and need medical attention as soon as possible.
If you begin to experience flu symptoms, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care, if needed. Rest and drink fluids to help your body recover. In some cases, your doctor may provide antiviral medication to make you better faster and to prevent serious complications.
As mentioned before, the best way to prevent the flu is to be vaccinated. The second best way to protect yourself is to wash your hands frequently. People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet! Flu viruses are most often spread by droplets when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. It is also possible to get flu by touching a surface or object (door handle) that has flu virus on it and then touching the mouth or nose. The flu viruses may be passed from person to person within one day before the contagious individual experiences symptoms and up to 5-7 days after they experience symptoms.
Therefore, regardless of whether you feel healthy or ill or if anyone around you feels healthy or ill, protect yourself by washing your hands with soap and water often. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub such as a hand sanitizer. It is a good idea to carry hand sanitizer with you while you are in public places, such as an office building, shopping malls, and restaurants. Always wash your hands before and after touching your mouth, nose, or eyes, before eating or preparing food, and after using the bathroom. Work with your children to practice coughing into their elbow and washing their hands frequently. 
1. 2. Apply soap and rub hands together to create foam bubbles. Scrub both sides of the hands, in between fingers, and under finger nails. Scrub for 20 seconds (about the length of 2 “happy birthday” songs).
3. Rinse hands thoroughly
4. Dry with a clean towel or paper napkin
5. Turn facet off with towel or paper towel
The holidays are a time to share hugs, not germs!
Have a wonderful, safe, and healthy holiday season!!
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