HOSPITAL UPDATE

Flu Season is right around the corner and Garfield County Hospital District would like share some information taken from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

How does flu spread?

Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or possibly by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching his or her own mouth, nose, and eyes. People infected with flu may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to spread flu to someone else before you know you are sick as well as while you are sick. Young children, those who are severely ill, and those who have severely weakened immune systems may be able to infect others for longer than 5-7 days.

Who should get vaccinated this season?

Everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine particularly people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza. Flu vaccination has important benefits. It can reduce flu illnesses, doctors' visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. Different flu vaccines are approved for use in different groups of people. People with some certain medical conditions should not receive the nasal spray flu vaccine.

When should I get vaccinated?

You should get a flu vaccine early in fall, before flu season begins since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against flu. Vaccines are offered throughout the flu season, even into January or later.

CDC recommends three actions to fight the flu.

The first and most important step is to get a flu vaccination each year; 2) If you get sick with flu, take prescription antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. Early treatment is especially important for the elderly, the very young, people with certain chronic health conditions, and pregnant women; and 3) Take every day preventative actions that may slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses.

Below are precautionary steps you can take:

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• Stay home at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub for at least 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.

• If an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs, follow public health advice.

We wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day and as always, stay healthy!