Across the nation, levels of flu-like illness are high, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is recommending anyone who has not yet been immunized to get their vaccine.
In Vermont, flu activity is also widespread and Gifford health care providers are seeing patients with flu-like symptoms. The hospital’s laboratory confirmed cases are relatively low. As of Jan. 10, only four patients had been confirmed to have the flu since testing began in December, although the actual number of flu cases in the region is likely greater as not all patients with symptoms are tested and not all people with the flu seek treatment.
Like the CDC, Gifford officials are recommending the vaccine, even if you have already been sick as you may still be susceptible to another strain of the flu. Ample flu vaccine supply is available.
Other tips for keeping healthy include:
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
Washing hands often
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Disinfecting “high touch” areas such as phones and door knobs
Practicing good health habits, such as getting plenty of sleep and exercise, reducing stress, drinking non-alcoholic fluids and eating nutritiously.
If you do become sick, stay home. You can infect others beginning a day before your symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. Also, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
Signs and symptoms of the flu include:
Fever or feeling feverish/chills, although not everyone will have a fever
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue
Possible vomiting and diarrhea, especially in children
Young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease, the morbidly obese, and people with weakened immune systems are all at increased risk for developing flu-related complications.
To schedule your flu vaccine or seek care should you become ill, call your Gifford primary care providers’ office.
