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Student Tribune

InFLUenza-What You Need to Know written by Hunter Pierce, RN, BSN

InFLUenza

The spread and prevention of the Influenza virus is in our hands. According to the Democrat and Chronicle, in Monroe County alone, there have been 607 reported flu cases this season. Out of this 607, 175 have been hospitalized, and 5 people have died.

There are many steps we can take to prevent the spread of this virus. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends the following precautionary measures:

  • Get the flu vaccine! If you haven't done this already, now is the time.
  • Avoid people who are sick.
  • Cover your nose/ mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • WASH YOUR HANDS with soap and water - before eating, after using the restroom, after coughing or sneezing.
  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Fever must be gone for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
  • Clean and disinfect any object or surface that are contaminated, or could be contaminated, with germs such as the flu.
  • In addition to knowing the ways to prevent Influenza, it is also important to understand the signs and symptoms of the virus.

These symptoms include:

Sudden Onset of malaise (feeling unwell) Runny/ stuffy nose

Fever Muscle/ body aches

Chills Headache

Sore throat Fatigue (feeling tired)

The early recognition and detection of these symptoms, will dramatically impact the health of our community. Contact a health care provider ASAP, if you recognize more than one of these symptoms. If you get the flu, antiviral drugs may be a treatment option, and can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick. Together we can stop the spread of this virus!

References: Influenza (Flu). (2018, January 12). Retrieved January, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/everyday-preve ntive-actions-8.5x11.pdf

https://www .cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2017-2018.htm

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/con sumer/symptoms.htm

Carson, Jacqueline
Health Services
01/24/2018