Protect your family from influenza this season
- By chextall
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- 24 Jul, 2017
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Top tips for preventing the flu this season
7 top tips to prevent the Flu this season: As featured in Kidz on the Coast magazine
With the arrival of flu season, many parents will be watching their children closely for symptoms of this dreaded virus. The flu, also known as influenza, is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs). The virus spreads easily in settings where many people are contained in close quarters such as schools and childcare, making children especially susceptible to the flu.
Influenza is a potentially fatal disease estimated to cause more deaths than road accidents every year: between 1500 and 3500 influenza deaths annually. We are urging Central Coast residents, especially those in the highest risk categories to get vaccinated and be flu fighters this season.
What are the symptoms?
Often confused with the common cold, flu symptoms are typically more severe. The following symptoms are good indicators that you or your child has the flu:
· Rapid onset of fever
· Excessive tiredness, lack of energy and general weakness
· Muscle aches and chills
· Dry cough
· Stuffy, runny nose
· Other symptoms that accompany the flu may include sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Remember, if your child comes down with the flu, keep them home from school or childcare for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone. The flu is highly contagious and can infect other children and caregivers. Typical recovery time for the flu is one or two weeks. Flu is a serious illness that should be monitored closely.
Who is most at risk and are urged to get vaccinated?
Influenza is especially dangerous for:
· Pregnant women
· Young infants
· Elderly people
· Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
· People with underlying medical conditions
If you fall under one of these categories, you may be eligible to receive a free vaccination.
If you suffer medical conditions such as severe asthma, lung disease or heart disease, low immunity or diabetes this can lead to complications from influenza, so it is advised to take preventative action and vaccinate annually.
Be a flu fighting family and follow our simple tips to avoid getting hit by the dreaded flu this season:
1.Get your shot
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. We recommend everyone over 6 months of age get vaccinated annually, especially if you are in the higher risk categories i.e. are pregnant.
2. Avoid close contact
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Avoid sharing cups, bottles, and other utensils.
3. Stay home when you are sick
That’s right, if you don’t feel well, for the sake of all around, stay home when you are sick or keep your children home if they are unwell. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
4. Cover your mouth and nose
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
5. Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Teach your children proper and consistent hand washing habits.
6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Encourage your children to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth to prevent germs from spreading.
7. Practice other good health habits.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, computers, phones especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
So, don’t delay, book your flu shot today for you and your loved ones and be a flu fighting family this season.
Provided by
Dr John Schulze
Absolute Medical Services