Influenza in Our Area

This past week, several people who live in Wichita County were diagnosed with Influenza by doctors. This is done simply by various tests that are conducted in clinics and hospitals around the world. Once it is diagnosed, the patient and people who live with the patient, are often treated with the drug, Tamiflu. I also learned that even people who took the Flu Vaccine have and are coming down with the flu this time around. The main vaccinated people who need to worry about this are the people who received their vaccinations earlier in the season. Here are things that we all can do to protect ourselves and others from getting sick with the flu:

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When YOU are sick, keep as far away from others as possible.

2. Whenever possible, DO NOT go to work, school or run any errands when you are sick. This will protect others from getting sick.

3. When you need to cough or sneeze, COVER YOUR MOUTH WITH A KLEENEX!

4. WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN to protect yourself and others from germs. If you do not have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

5. Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth. If you touch someone or something that has influenza germs on it, you stand risk of transmitting those germs into your system by touching these parts of your body.

6. Get PLENTY of sleep, physical activity, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids to flush toxins out of your system and to keep your body well-hydrated. Eat nutritious food.

Hopefully, by following these tips, you will stay healthy.

VLE-B