Influenza season has come early to Wasco County, and area health agencies note that it is not to late to get vaccinated if you haven’t received a flu shot. Vaccination is the best way to prevent spread of the flu.
The North Central Public Health District noted in a press release that “it is very important that we protect those most vulnerable to influenza.” They recommend those with a fever and upper respiratory symptoms delay visits to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, day care facilities and hospitals until at least 24 hours after the fever subsides.
If you visit a clinic or hospital because you are sick, wear a mask, and continue to wear a mask in public until you have been fever free for 24 hours, NCPHD recommends.
The preventive measures listed below will also help stop the spread of flu, but because people infected with the flu may infect others a day before they show symptons, vaccination is still the best way to avoid catching and spreading the flu.
• Cover your cough and sneeze.
• Wash your hands often, using soap and warm water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Limit close contact with those that are sick.
• Stay home when you’re sick. Protect others at school and work by staying home at least 24 hours after a fever (100+ degrees) subsides.
• Clean surfaces. Flu germs can live for hours on hard surfaces. Make sure your home and workspace are wiped down frequently, especially where children are playing.
Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes nausea (more often in children than adults). Many respiratory viruses have similar symptoms, but influenza tends to be more severe. Having the flu can lead to hospitalization and sometimes death.
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