This month might be the most critical time to guard against invaders that can harm your family.
You can’t see the millions of invaders, but they have the capability of making your life miserable for a week or so.
And it can kill some people.
It’s prime flu season, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly.
On Tuesday we reported that certain strains of the flu are beginning to increase. Fortunately, it’s nothing like last year.
During the last week of 2018 in Missouri, 653 cases of influenza were confirmed through laboratory testing. Most of those cases (609) were influenza A, while 40 were influenza B and four were untyped.
There had been 338 confirmed cases statewide the previous week, and 459 the week before that.
During the last week of 2017, laboratory workers confirmed 4,862 cases — more than have been confirmed for the entirety of this flu season in Missouri.
But now isn’t the time to let your guard down.
If you haven’t gotten a flu shot, take the time to get one. It’s not too late.
The Center for Disease Controls also offers these tips:
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• If you are sick with flu symptoms, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• 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.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
Diligently following the CDC’s advice gives both you and your community the best chance to keep healthy during the flu season.
News Tribune