Unfortunately the flu season has taken a turn for the worse in recent days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows influenza is now widespread in 43 states, up from 36 states the previous week. The strain of the virus that is dominant this year, Influenza A H3N2 tends to cause severe illness, particularly for the elderly and young children. AmeriStaff Nursing Services encourages everyone to stay strong and healthy this flu season, taking the necessary precautions to stay well.  Below you will find a list of universal precautions for the flu, as well as some recommended remedies.

Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue – NOT your hand – when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• 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.
• Adopt a healthy, well-balanced diet and lifestyle to ensure a strong immune system
• Wash your hands often with soap and water

Proper Hand Washing

• Wet your hands with clean water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands and between your fingers.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Rinse hands under the clean, running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry.

Washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to stop the spread of germs, but if not available, use alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60{799a9e7aa0116609ce2b94c4793bbe8e2ef1c1f15f238aca26f5bf8801898c10} alcohol.

Recognize the differences between a cold & influenza

Common Cold

• Fever
• Body Aches
• Tiredness
• Dry Cough
• Headache
• Runny or Stuffy Nose

Influenza

• Fever and/or Body Chills
• Muscle and Body Aches
• Extreme Fatigue
• Dry Cough
• Headache
• Vomiting and/or Diarrhea
• Does not Necessarily Present with a Runny or Stuffy Nose

If you do fall ill, recover faster by:

• Take Vitamin C supplements to boost your immune system
• If needed take ibuprofen to help relieve mild pain and fever.
• Try inhaling aromatic steam – take a hot shower or sit with a warm towel draped around your head.
• Make a hot compress to relieve a headache.
  • You may microwave a washcloth for 30 seconds for a compress.
  • Use salt water to rinse your nose and throat – mix one quarter teaspoon of salt, one quarter teaspoon of baking soda and eight ounces of water – insert the saline water into your nose one nostril at a time and allow it to drain.
  • Drink lots of water – it is important to stay hydrated.
  • REST – let your body focus on getting better.

Sources: www.cdc.gov & www.symptomfind.com

** Please note: This is not a substitute for medical advice by your physician.

Prepared for you by AmeriStaff Nursing Services