First, get vaccinated. It is not too late to get a flu shot. This is the best available form of protection from the virus, Sabrina Roy, director of marketing at Teche Regional Medical Center, said.
While it is still possible to contract the flu after receiving a vaccination, it is much less likely. Tests conducted by the CDC in early January indicate that you are 62 percent less likely to contract the flu this year if you received the vaccination. To obtain a flu shot, go to the public health department, a walk-in clinic or pharmacy or your physician’s office, Roy said.
Dr. Robert Blereau, sentinel physician for the CDC, concurred, adding that just because you’ve had the flu it does not mean you can’t get it again from a different strain of the virus.
Having been sick “doesn’t give cross immunity. You are only protected against the same virus,” Blereau said.
As an example, he noted that he had one patient who came in with the Type A virus and a month later with the Type B virus.
The Associated Press reports: High levels of flu-like illness are reported in Louisiana but no child deaths have occurred, and, so far, emergency rooms have not had to turn away other patients to accommodate those with suspected flu.
“This is going to be one of the very busy seasons,” said Louisiana’s state epidemiologist, Dr. Raoult Ratard.
According to the St. Mary Parish school system, attendance this week continues to track between 93 and 94 percent, the same as it has since flu season began locally at the end of October.
Blereau said the average doctor’s office is seeing seven percent of its patients come in with flu symptoms. In his own practice, he said the numbers of ill patients with these symptoms has been the same for the last several weeks.
Other important preventative measures suggested by the CDC include:
—Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. This will block the spread of potential germs.
—Washing your hands regularly with soap and water, preferably, or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
—Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, where germs can enter your body.
—Avoiding close contact with people, particularly if you notice flu-like symptoms.
—Cleaning frequently touched objects such as doorknobs, phones and keypads.
—Knowing your employer’s plan and/or your children’s school’s plan should a widespread outbreak of the virus occur.
Roy said the hospital also is taking the appropriate steps to prevent the flu from spreading at that facility.
Those steps include:
—Signage has been posted at each department’s elevator door and the entrances of the hospital instructing patients and visitors of our visitation policy for visitors under the age of 13. In addition visitors with flu-like symptoms are encouraged not to visit.
—Hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout the hospital in public areas including waiting rooms, registration areas, hallways and the cafeteria.
—Encouraging all patients, staff and visitors who have not done so already to get their flu shot.
—Providing educational material to all visitors about everyday preventative actions.
For additional information about influenza, visit www.cdc.org/flu.
Roy said, “If you or a loved one begins to notice symptoms including coughing, sore throat, fever or upper respiratory symptoms, see a doctor right away. Early detection is especially important for young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with certain chronic health issues. When detected early, prescription antiviral drugs can often help treat the illness and shorten the time you are sick by one or two days.”
In addition, the CDC is urging those who are sick to limit contact with others as much as possible immediately after noticing symptoms. Stay home (or keep your child home) for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to seek medical care or for other necessities.
For additional information about influenza, visit www.cdc.org/flu.
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