The flu is sweeping through Auburn University where my son attends college. Thankfully he is flu free so far. Two of my closest friends have had the flu this week and last. If you have not gotten a flu shot yet, do not wait any longer! I got mine. I hope it works.
How do you know if you have a cold or the flu? Click here.
Source for the following: The Georgia Department of Public Health
The predominant strain of flu circulating in Georgia and around the country is influenza A (H3N2). This strain can be particularly hard on the very young, people over age 65, or those with existing medical conditions. Every individual over six months of age should get a flu shot.
Flu symptoms and their intensity can vary from person to person, and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. If you think you have the flu, call or visit your doctor.
There are other things you can do to help prevent the spread of flu – tried and true measures your mother taught you.
- Frequent and thorough hand-washing with soap and warm water. Alcohol based gels are the next best thing if you don’t have access to soap and water.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing to help prevent the spread of the flu. Use a tissue or cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or arm.
- Avoid touching your face as flu germs can get into the body through mucus membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes.
- If you are sick, stay home from school or work. Flu sufferers should be free of a fever, without the use of a fever reducer, for at least 24 hours before returning to school or work.
Click here to read more from the Georgia Department of Public Health.
