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Thursday, January 17, 2013

What's new with the flu?


If worrying about the flu has you feeling fluish, I have good news for you.  According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), no unusual disease patterns have emerged among children this flu season. http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/general/news/jan1613flu.html  

So if you're a parent who spends most of your waking hours compulsively washing/sanitizing your kids' hands, good job - keep it up!  The CDC has recommended no change in how we prevent and treat the influenza virus, especially in children younger than five.  Kids are especially vulnerable, and flu complications are most common in children under two.  The best way to keep our kiddos healthy is to have them vaccinated, according to the CDC.
What else?... 
  • Demonstrate good hand-washing, cough & sneeze etiquette, and help your kids start good habits, too.
  • Inquire about your kids' school/daycare provider's flu prevention plan.
  • Keep surfaces clean, and encourage your kids to help in the effort.
If you have questions about the flu, prevention, and the vaccine, please contact your pediatrician, and keep the "Flu Guide For Parents" handy: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/a_flu_guide_for_parents.pdf

But what about YOU?  The CDC encourages everyone to take the following actions to fight the flu:
  • Get the flu shot. 
  • If you get sick with flu-like illness, 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 without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
  • Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to prevent the spread of germs.
  • Wash your hands regularly.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.