The Flu Requires Prevention and Extra Attention

If you haven’t had your flu shot now is the time to take this step to protect yourself and your family.

Most people with the flu experience a mild illness and don’t need medical care. However, for some, it not only can lead to more serious illnesses, such as pneumonia, but it can be life-threatening.

Beebe offers FREE flu shot clinics during the fall. Check the Calendar for upcoming dates.

Prevention

Prevention is always our first line of defense. We continue to strongly advise people to get their flu vaccine. While there are several different strains of flu, the vaccine can still play a vital role in reducing the severity of symptoms, even if it does not prevent a specific strain of the flu.

We also advise two primary habits that go a long way to preventing you from getting the flu and from spreading it:

Hand-washing is still the No. 1 way to prevent the spread of disease. You should wash your hands with soap and water throughout the day, especially after the restroom and before eating, and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available.
Using a tissue or your arm to cover a cough or a sneeze instead of using your hand is an absolute must. This simple practice will stop the spread of droplets that could be carrying the flu virus, as well as other viruses. Consider the contact you have with germs on your hand as you touch doorknobs, railings, tables, telephone receivers and other items that also are touched by others.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the flu include:

Fever – though not everyone runs a fever
Cough
Sore Throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches
Headache
Chills
Fatigue
Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

What to do if you or a loved one has the flu

In general, if you have the flu, you should stay in bed, get plenty of rest, drink lots of liquids, and stay away from other people as much as possible.

You also should not return to work or school until 24 hours after a fever is gone without the use of medication.

There are times when medical attention is advised. Many are included below:

People at high risk of developing flu-related complications should seek medical attention. They include but are not limited to:

Children under 5 years of age
Adults over 65 years of age
Pregnant women
People with the following illnesses:
o Asthma
o Heart and lung disease
o Liver or kidney disorders
o Metabolic disorders
o Weakened immune systems

There are warnings signs that require either a trip to the hospital emergency department, or even a call to Emergency Medical Services at 911.

They include:

In Children

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids – no tears when crying or few wet diapers
Not waking up or not interacting
Fever with a rash

In Adults

Difficulty breathing
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Please take extra precautions this season to remain safe and healthy. Do not hesitate to call your healthcare provider if you have any concern at all.

Sources:
Center of Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/
Delaware Division of Public Health: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/index.html

For more information on Beebe’s Population Health team, go to: https://www.beebehealthcare.org/community-outreach/population-health-department