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Although the number of reported influenza cases in Grand Island and across the country is still low, the central district health department believes that people should be proactive, which means getting vaccinated before the number of influenza cases is starting to increase.
This weekend marks the kickoff of the holiday shopping season with Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Throughout the weekend, thousands of customers from Grand Island and surrounding areas will be in town to get the best holiday gifts available. In addition, travel experts report that more people will be on the road to visit their friends and family during the extended weekend.
Being with more people means an increased risk of being exposed to the flu. While being proactive, you are vaccinated against the flu. For the holiday season, there are also ways to minimize your exposure.
The American Red Cross offers flu prevention advice when you're traveling, whether it's outside the community or at a local mall. According to the American Red Cross, everything you touch is probably touched by someone else.
Follow these tips to prevent the spread of germs.
– Manage your own things.
– Wash your hands often with soap and water.
– Take with you hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes. You can use them to wash your hands or to wipe surfaces, such as armrests.
– Bring your own pillows and blankets. They can act as a shield against the seat itself.
– Avoid touching your face or eyes. If you have to cough or sneeze, do it in a tissue or your sleeve.
"What we know about the flu this year, nationally, our business is still pretty weak," said Lisa Boeke, Community Health Supervisor of the Central District Health Department.
Boeke said that in Nebraska and the country, according to the Center for Disease Control, influenza outbreaks are "sporadic".
"There is a very small number of confirmed cases of influenza," she said.
And the same goes for Grand Island and surrounding areas.
Although the flu is a respiratory disease, stomach viruses are also a problem for people at this time of year.
Boeke said the best recommendation for being proactive in preventing the flu is getting a flu shot.
"It's not too late to do it," she said.
Influenza vaccines are available throughout the community in pharmacies, as well as in medical clinics. This could be something that a person can add to his shopping list this weekend by filling his list of Christmas presents.
"It's very difficult to predict trends," Boeke said when the number of influenza cases will rise.
While until now, the number of cases of influenza has been low, as is typical for this time of year, she said that things can change quickly.
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