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Take steps to improve your chances of staying healthy.
Flu season is back.
Sadly, the first influenza-related death of the season – a Florida child who had not been vaccinated – was reported in mid-October.
Getting a flu shot is your best defense. At Newport Hospital, we have 300 employees, physicians and volunteers during our mass vaccination clinic on Oct. 1.
However, getting vaccinated is not 100 percent guarantee of avoiding illness. It's important to take steps to improve your chances of staying healthy.
Being in crowded public spaces and having a good time in the world. Influenza is very infectious and you are most likely to give it to others. It is caused by a virus spread from coughs and sneezes that can survive for some time, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Here are a few ways you are at risk of contracting or spreading the flu:
Public spaces: Large gatherings of people increase a person's risk of getting sick. Viruses such as influenza are more likely to spread around workplaces, schools, or gyms. Using antibacterial wipes to clean equipment or shopping cart handles will give you a protective edge. If you need to stretch on a mat at the gym, bring one with a towel. Shower after exercising to wash away germs you may have picked up.
The ATM: Think how many times you've had to wait in line for an ATM. Maybe two or three people are ahead of you, and a few behind you. That ATM can not be cleaned or sanitized on a regular basis. Be sure to use a hand sanitizer immediately after visiting an ATM.
Your own cell phone: If you have the flu or another virus, those germs can stick to your cell phone or other devices such as TV remotes or keyboards. Wash your hands with disinfectant (do not spray directly) or alcohol swabs.
If you are already infected, there are places and people you should avoid in order to prevent spreading illness to high-risk populations:
Hospitals: If you are sick, please do not visit any hospitals or other health care facilities. Patients often have weakened immune systems, making them more likely to contract your illness.
The elderly, children, and pregnant women: These groups are at a higher risk for infection. If you have the flu, avoid contact with people age 65 and older, very young children, and pregnant women.
Work or school: Many people believe "powering through" a disease and showing up to work while sick is a virtue. It is better for you and those around you to stay home. Rest is very important when you are sick with influenza and can not work your way around the world. The CDC recommends that you be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medications before returning to work.
It is important to remember the year-round, not only during the season, but also in the form of sanitizing, and general awareness of potential germination.
The CDC urges everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccination every season. Besides injections, the nasal spray flu is approved for use in individuals 2 years through 49 years of age who are not pregnant. You can get the vaccine at your doctor's office, at a community clinic, and at many pharmacies.
If you believe you have come down with the flu, call your primary care to assess your needs.
Gail Jackson, B.S.N., R.N., C.I.C. is the infection prevention coordinator at Newport Hospital, a Lifespan partner.
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