By Sarah Lundgren, The Brunswick News, Ga.
(MCT)
Oct. 11--Arriving with the start of fall is cooler weather, beautiful colors, homey
scents and an uninvited guest: influenza. Flu can be deadly, it is responsible
for an average of 36,000 deaths per year.
How active a flu season, ranging from October to March, will be is nearly
impossible to predict, but there are ways to protect against the unpleasant
symptoms.
"First and foremost, we encourage anyone six months and older to get
vaccinated. Vaccination is always the best protection against the flu," said
Sally Silbermann, public information officer for the Coastal Health District.
While vaccination is the best prevention, it doesn't usually take effect
for two weeks -- all the more reason Silbermann stresses the importance of
getting vaccinated early.
The Glynn County Health Department at 2747 Fourth St. in Brunswick offers
flu vaccinations and nasal spray for just $25.
Some drug stores like Walgreens also offer vaccinations.
Silbermann said there are other simple methods to ensure good health:
-- Stay home when sick. The Center for Disease Control recommends staying
home for at least 24 hours after fever disappears without the use of
medication.
-- Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water aren't
available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
-- Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hand.
-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
-- Avoid contact with sick people.
The flu shouldn't be confused with the common cold. Influenza hits
suddenly and can include fever, chills, a cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy
nose, body and headaches and fatigue, according the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. Vomiting and diarrhea can also occur, but these are
more common in children.
Children are among those who are more susceptible to the condition, as
well as people 65 years and older, those with certain chronic medical
conditions and pregnant women, according to the CDC.
Following 2009's H1N1 scare, it's important to be aware of the symptoms
and simple prevention methods, especially if for those at risk. The CDC offers
this information to those unfortunate enough to catch the bug: The condition
should pass within three days to two weeks if no other illnesses are acquired.
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