Flu bug, flip-flopping weather strickens the area

Flu season, flip-flopping weather and wintery illnesses have stricken the area fiercely in the last few weeks.

The mix of cold to warm and wet to dry weather often wreaks havoc on our lungs and can lead to contagious illnesses if we are not careful.

It's important to remember if you are sick, be courteous of those you come in contact with, especially if you are handing over cash.

You never know the abilities of a stranger's immune system, and someone can't just skip work to avoid catching the flu or coming down with Bronchitis.

Most importantly, many people can't afford to take off work because they contracted the flu from a stranger who didn't take the necessary precautions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests you start by protecting yourself from the Influenza viruses by getting a flu shot.

Although www.cdc.gov notes not all strains of the flu are covered by the shot, it still protects against several strains of the virus.

It's important to limit contact with others if you have a fever, and the CDC suggests staying home for at least 24 hours after your fever subsides.

If you have respiratory and flu-like symptoms, your doctor may be able to prescribe an anti-viral to treat the illness.

According to the CDC, symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuff nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.

The CDC also stresses it is important for the elderly, children, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses to be diagnosed and treated early.

The CDC states the flu virus is believed to be spread person to person due to coughing, sneezing and talking to someone with the flu.

It's possible to infect others with the flu one day before symptoms arise and up to a week after becoming sick.

In order to prevent causing others to become sick cover your nose and mouth while coughing with a tissue, or at the very least your elbow, to prevent the spread of illness. Droplets can enter the air and infect others.

Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing into your hand. If soap and water is not available, alcohol-based hand rub is a second option.

Avoid touching your eyes nose and mouth, especially if you have been in contact with a sick person. If possible, avoid contact with anyone who has been ill within the last week.

The CDC also notes you should clean frequently touched surfaces in the work place, such as doorknobs, keyboards and phones.

For more information about avoiding the flu, visit the CDC website or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

The website also offers detailed information on how to care for yourself or a loved when influenza strikes.

Sabrina is a staff writer for the Greene County Daily World. She can be reached by email at swestfall@gcdailyworld.com or by telephone at 847-4487.