Revealed November 14. 2023 12:46PM
Flu season has been largely overshadowed over the previous few years by different respiratory diseases corresponding to COVID-19. Nonetheless, many medical specialists consider this flu season may very well be extra extreme.
“The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) expects flu exercise in the US to extend within the coming weeks,” says Terry Burger, Lehigh Valley Well being Community’s (LVHN) Administrator of An infection Management and Prevention. “Flu within the Northern Hemisphere is usually attributable to viruses related to people who unfold within the Southern Hemisphere throughout their winter flu season.”
Get your flu shot
As we transfer right into a time of yr when flu turns into extra widespread, make time to get your flu shot. “Flu pictures save lives,” Burger says. “You’ll not solely defend your self however will assist scale back the danger of spreading the flu to the individuals you like.
The flu will be particularly harmful to the aged or these with underlying well being situations, corresponding to most cancers.”
Watch out what you contact
In relation to avoiding the flu, Francis Braconaro, MD, inner drugs doctor with LVPG Inner Medication–Carbon, says maintaining your fingers clear is essential.
“Washing your fingers ceaselessly and accurately might help take away viruses and different microbes out of your pores and skin,” Dr. Braconaro says.
Surfaces are additionally a possible germ hazard. “Keep in mind to keep away from touching your face after touching surfaces that others have touched,” Dr. Braconaro says.
These generally touched areas embrace doorknobs, cupboard handles, telephones, faucet handles, microwave and fridge handles, distant controls, buying cart push handles, and so on.
Additionally, clear surfaces to assist take away viruses.
The CDC says widespread cleaners, together with cleaning soap, chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide, can kill the flu virus on surfaces.
Cease the unfold
Should you do get the flu, Burger says there are methods to keep away from spreading the virus to others:
• Keep dwelling.
• Sneeze or cough right into a tissue or the criminal of your elbow.
• Toss used tissues into the trash.
Indicators and signs of the flu
It’s additionally necessary to acknowledge the signs of the flu so you may differentiate it from different widespread winter diseases.
Flu signs come on all of the sudden and embrace fever, physique aches, chills, tiredness, cough and headache.
Some individuals can also expertise sneezing, stuffy nostril and sore throat.
Based on the CDC, chilly signs are milder than flu signs. Should you go to the physician and are recognized with influenza, chances are you’ll be handled with antiviral remedy.
In case your signs appear extreme, chances are you’ll want care on the ER, says Burger.
“Go to the hospital you probably have shortness of breath, extended sickness that doesn’t appear to be getting higher or chest ache,” she says.
Getting your flu shot has by no means been simpler
Do you know that you could go to LVHN ExpressCARE–Palmerton on your flu shot?
Positioned at 528 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton, they’re open 12 months a yr and no appointment is critical.
Flu season is upon us however there are methods to guard your self. METROGRAPHICS
Burger
Braconaro