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Berks County residents are no strangers to the seasonal flu, which occurs every year between the months of December and March. Seasonal flu is a serious public health concern that affects millions of Americans each year, but one that usually follows a very regular and predictable pattern. Outbreaks are controlled and can even be avoided through yearly flu vaccinations. Pandemic flu, on the other hand, is by nature unpredictable and difficult to manage.
What is Pandemic Flu?
A “pandemic” is a disease that spreads all over the world and affects a large number of people. If you are caring for a loved one during a pandemic, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and others. Always follow the most current advice of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and your local health department.
The Role of the American Red Cross
Throughout its history, the American Red Cross has been deeply committed to stopping the spread of pandemic influenza and helping those whose lives have been affected by the virus. To prepare for future flu pandemics, the Red Cross is providing free education to the community. We are helping individuals create home safety plans in preparation for the care of an infected loved one, and as with any other disaster, we encourage people to have an emergency supplies kit, including both food and water. To learn more about Pandemic Flu education, call the Berks County Chapter at (610) 375-4383.
What is Infuenza (Also Called Flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Every year in the United States , on average:
· 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
· more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and;
· about 36,000 people die from flu.
Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.
Symptoms of Flu
Symptoms of flu include:
· fever (usually high)
· headache
· extreme tiredness
· dry cough
· sore throat
· runny or stuffy nose
· muscle aches
· Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults
If you or someone in your household becomes sick,
decide how the person will be cared for ahead of time.
Complications of Flu
Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
How Flu Spreads Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
Preventing Seasonal Flu: Get Vaccinated
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get a flu vaccination each year.
Staying Healthy
There are some actions that everyone can practice to slow the spread of the flu and reduce its impact, whether the viruses involved are seasonal or pandemic flu. Practicing these actions now will make them easier to do later.
Frequent and proper hand washing can reduce
or prevent the spread of the flu.
The American Red Cross recommends the following:
- Wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wash hands for at least 15 seconds. This will reduce the chance of spreading flu from one person to another.
- For visibly soiled hands, first wash with soap and warm water. When using soap and water:
- Wet hands with water and apply an amount of soap recommended by the manufacturer to hands
- Rub hands together vigorously for at least 15 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands and giving added attention to fingernails and surfaces where jewelry is worn
- Rinse hands with water
- Dry thoroughly with a disposable towel
- Use towel to turn off faucet
- For hands that are not visibly soiled, wash with soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60 percent to 95 percent alcohol) or do both. When using hand sanitizer:
- Use the amount of sanitizer directed in the instructions on the product
- Rub thoroughly over all surfaces of the hands, including nail areas and between the fingers.
- Continue to rub until product drie
Other Healthy Habits
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and clean your hands afterwards.
- Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (as above).
- If you don’t have a tissue or handkerchief, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow or upper arm.
- Whenever possible, avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth to keep flu germs from entering your body.
- Stay home if you are feeling sick. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. The flu virus is spread by respiratory droplets passed from one person to another. These droplets can pass among people in close contact.
- Avoid sharing objects—such as utensils, cups, bottles and telephones. If you must share, disinfect the objects before and after using them.
- Keep your living and work areas clean.
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