We are seeing an especially high increase in flu cases across the state....be sure to read the following information and reach out to me with questions or concerns!
What is influenza (also called flu)?
The flu is a contagious
respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat,
and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness.
What are the signs and symptoms of the flu?
People who have the flu often
feel some or all of these signs and symptoms that usually start suddenly, not
gradually:
• Fever or feeling
feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Tiredness
• Some people may have vomiting
and diarrhea, though this is more common in young children than in adults
How does the flu spread?
The flu virus is spread mainly
by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets
can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person
might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and
then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
When can a person with the flu spread it to others?
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. Although people with the flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days
after their illness begins, some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect
others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after
becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened
immune systems, might be able to infect others with flu viruses for an even
longer time.
Should I get the flu vaccine now?
It is not too late to get
vaccinated. All people 6 months of age and older are recommended to annually receive
the influenza vaccine. Children 59
months and younger must receive the flu shot prior to December 31st
to remain in school.
How can I protect my child from catching the flu?
Take everyday preventive
actions that help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose,
throat, and lungs) illnesses, like flu.
• Avoid close contact with people
who are sick and limit contact with others while sick to keep from infecting
them.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces
and objects that may be contaminated with germs that can cause respiratory
illness.
• Cover your nose and mouth with
a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw it in the trash after you use it and
wash your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap
and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an
alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose
and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces
and objects that may be contaminated with germs that can cause respiratory
illnesses like flu.
• Stay home for at least 24 hours
after fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Fever
should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
Teach your child to:
• Cover cough and sneezes.
• Wash hands often with soap
and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are no available, an
alcohol-based hand rub can be used.
• Get in the habit of not
touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
• Not share “bites” of finger
foods, spoons, forks, drinking cups or bottles with friends.
What should I do if my child is sick?
• As always, you should keep
your sick child home. Do not send them to school/daycare. Use your judgement to
decide if your child can recover at home with rest and fluids or needs to see a
doctor. Call your family doctor if you have questions and follow their advice.
• Although antibiotics are not
effective against viruses, antiviral medicines can help shorten the flu’s
course. These medications are available only by prescription and are usually
not needed in mild cases. Once again, you should follow your family doctor’s
advice about your child’s care.
• Keep tissues close to the sick
person and have a trash bag within reach.
• Children who are sick with
flu-like illness should stay home until they are fever free for 24 hours
without fever reducing medications and are able to participate comfortably in activities.
For more information go to the New Jersey Department of Health flu
website at
http://nj.gov/health/cd/topics/flu.shtml and Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) at
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
