I have to say I am a more concerned that someone in my family may catch the flu this year than in the past. I have stocked up on cans of chicken noodle soup, orange juice, cherry cough drops,and plenty of hand sanitizer. We have talked about the importance of hand washing and covering our mouth when we cough. I think everyone is a little more aware after hearing all the reports of the dangers of the swine (h1n1) flu. With the beginning of flu season upon us it’s important to know the symptoms of the flu and preventions we can take to minimize the spread of the flu in our local community. I found the most information at the flu.gov website and thought I would share their recommendations.
2009 H1N1 Flu Symptoms & Basic Steps
You may have the flu if you have some or all of the following symptoms:
• fever (not everyone with the flu will have a fever)
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuff nose
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• fatigue
• sometimes diarrhea and vomiting
IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE THE FLU
*Stay home and away from other people as much as possible; cover your nose
and mouth if you must be around other people (facemask or tissue).
*Unless you are in a high-risk category (a young child, pregnant, have certain
underlying health conditions like asthma or diabetes or a weakened immune system,
or are 65 years and older), take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen and drink
plenty of fluids.
*Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of feverreducing medicine.
*Most people get better without treatment and don’t need to seek medical help.
However, if you are in a high-risk category, consult with your health care provider
if you get flu symptoms.
Anyone with the following emergency warning signs needs urgent medical attention:
CHILDREN
o Fast breathing or trouble
breathing
o Bluish skin color
o Not drinking enough fluids
o Not waking up or not
interacting
o Being so irritable that the
child does not want to be held
o Flu-like symptoms improve
but then return with fever and
worse cough
o Fever with a rash
ADULTS
o Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
o Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
o Sudden dizziness
o Confusion
o Severe or persistent vomiting
o Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
If you live in Lawrence County,Ar the mass flu clinic site is as follows.
Walnut Ridge Fire Dept 3227 Hwy 67 B North
October 29th from 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Drive thru or walk in
Let your kids watch this great video where Elmo talks flu prevention!