Health Ministry
One of Winter's Little Challenges: Influenza
by Joan Franklin
As I worked this past week at my desk at the Anne Arundel County Department of Health, I could not help but overhear the comments from the clerical staff who had been answering the flu information lines. The public is scared and angry about the shortage of flu vaccine-both seasonal and H1N1. Abusive language and terrible accusations were being directed toward the Department personnel because all appointments for Flu Clinics had been made.
Here are some facts about the flu:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Every year in the United States, on average:
• 5 to 20 percent of the population get the flu
• More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications
• About 36,000 people die from flu-related causes
Flu symptoms usually include fever of 100 degrees F or higher for several days, dry cough, severe muscle aches, tiredness, headache and chest discomfort. The flu hits hard and suddenly-within 3 to 4 hours of infection with the virus.
To prevent coming down with the flu, avoid contact with the flu viruses. Stay away from crowds, keep hands clean, avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth as much as possible, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of it immediately.
If you develop flu symptoms, contact your doctor right away. There are anti-viral medications which can shorten the length and severity of the illness. Also, stay home until your fever is reduced without aid of fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours.
Some informative and fun web sites are available:
www.h1n1responsecenter.com has a flu self-assessment test you can take to see whether you have symptoms of H1N1 flu and information to help you decide what to do next.
www.flu.gov has myths and facts about the flu and also features several cute and informative short public service videos for children and adults about flu prevention.
www.aahealth.org (click on flu prevention tips) has good information about flu prevention. To watch an informative and hilarious video about how to cover your sneeze, scroll down to General Tips to Prevent Flu, then click on the Why Don't We Do It In Our Sleeves? video. Note the names of the "panel of infectious disease experts".
From the Brooklyn Beacon, November 2009 |
