H1N1 is Here--Again!

Yes, Novel H1N1 is still here, I guess it never went away. As of the end of last week, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the H1N1 is widespread throughout most of the USA. The exceptions are South Carolina and Washington DC, where the flu is more regional or local. This many reports of widespread activity are unprecedented during seasonal flu. The number of visits to the doctors for influenza like symptoms have increased drastically. And the number of influenza hospitalizations have increased, being higher than expected for this time of year. There is also a correlating increase in the death rate from influenza and pneumonia related symptoms. Sadly there were 19 confirmed pediatric deaths from H1N1 during the week of October 18-4, 2009.
So what do we do to help protect our families from this influenza? The same suggestions from earlier this year still work. One of the main things to keep in mind is to STAY HOME when you have a fever! People who are determined to go to work or school when they are ill are not helping anyone! So stay home when you have a fever and fell bad. With this flu, it has been found that you can be contagious for more than 7 days after your fever goes away!
* Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub such as Purell. The Purell site has lots of tips too!
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way. Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Keep yourself healthy by taking care of your diet, exercise and vitamins!