The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a widespread activity of the influenza virus in 41 states, Georgia being one of them.
During a one week period, December 23-29, 2012, 9,363 specimens were collected and 2,961 tested positive for the influenza virus.
The CDC reported there were two pediatric deaths associated with the Influenza B virus.
The best way to prevent a virus from spreading is by washing hands, covering mouth when coughing, not drinking from water fountains and staying home when feeling ill.
Children are specifically susceptible because they are constantly putting their hands or items in their mouth. It is important to remind children, no matter what age, to keep their hands out of their mouth.
Request that a child not drink from water fountains and make sure to send a bottle of water to school with them.
Every year viruses get stronger, prevention is key. Education is knowledge and knowledge is power.
No matter how what age a child is, it is important to keep reminding them to wash their hands.
As a parent or caregiver it is your responsibility to educate children, as well as to know when to keep them home.
Managers of food services and suppliers specifically need to watch employees and send them home when it becomes apparent that they are sick.
The pressures from missing work or school are huge and people are going out in public when not feeling well. It is time to make some changes and take responsibility for your actions.
By taking action the virus will not spread, but a conscientious effort needs to be made.
Signs of the flu include:
- Fever, feverish, chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Headaches
- Fatigue/tiredness
- Occasional vomiting/diarrhea
Recovery from the flu can take anywhere from a few days to less than two weeks unless there are complications such as pneumonia; complications can be life-threatening and result in death.
Take responsibility for yourself as well as your loved ones and stay home when feeling ill.
Actions make a difference and being responsible when feeling sick will not only help to contain the virus but it will also help an infected person get well.
Free resources are available at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/freeresources/index.htm
For more information please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/
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