The holiday season brings joy and feelings of warmth and
fellowship. But sadly, the holiday season also brings on the height of flu
season. While the timing of seasonal flu activity is unpredictable and can
vary, flu season is generally considered between October and May, with peaks
between December and February. This common respiratory virus is easily spread,
and can result in missed days at school, work, and leave you feeling lousy in
the process.
Knowledge Is Power
Here are some important facts about the flu, and how to keep
it from running rampant through your home and workplace.
=What Symptoms Should I Look Out For
High Fever; Extreme Tiredness; Dry Cough; Muscle Aches;
Sore Throat; Runny or Stuffy Nose; Headache Vomiting;
Diarrhea; Shortness of Breath
Usually, these symptoms have a sudden onset. Be mindful of them as soon
as they present themselves to prevent spreading the virus.
What Can Be Done to
Prevent Spreading or Getting the Flu?
Flu is contracted by inhaling respiratory droplets produced
by coughing or sneezing. A person can also become infected by touching an
object contaminated by the flu virus (possibly from a hand that covered a sneeze),
and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. A person is contagious from one
day before presenting symptoms, to up to seven days after getting sick.
Follow these suggestions to minimize your risks of getting
or spreading the infection.
=Wash your hands often, especially after
coughing, sneezing and wiping or blowing your nose.
=Use paper tissues when wiping or blowing your
nose, and throw them away after use.
=Cough into a tissue or the inside of your elbow
instead of your bare hand.
=Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes; germs
enter the body through these openings.
=Stay home if you have flu symptoms until you are
fever-free without medication for 24 hours.
=Avoid close contact with sick people.
=Stay away from crowds, if possible.
=Get a flu shot
All Patient First Medical Centers are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year, including Christmas and New Year’s. Patient First provides non-appointment urgent care for routine injuries and illnesses, primary care for patients who do not have a regular physician, as well as telehealth services. Each Patient First center has on-site digital x-ray, on-site laboratory, and on-site prescription drugs. Patient First currently operates medical centers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.
