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02/14/2005

Protect your family from the flu

Flu shot, other simple steps can still make a difference

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Janna Williams 501-375-1200 ext 663

 

Protect your family from the flu

Flu shot, other simple steps can still make a difference

 

Cold and flu season is here, and influenza is making an appearance in Arkansas. Protecting yourself and your loved ones from illness can be a challenge this time of year, but a few simple steps could make a big difference.

 

The Arkansas Department of Health reported on February 7 that flu is increasing, and flu-like illness was in at least 50 counties. County health units in Arkansas are offering flu shots now on a first-come, first-served basis, and it’s not too late to get a flu shot. In Arkansas, the flu season usually lasts through March, according to Charles Beets, communicable diseases/immunizations work unit leader of the Arkansas State Health Department.

 

You should have immunity to the flu two weeks after you get a flu shot, so you would have some protection through the rest of the season, according to Dr. William E. Golden, vice president of clinical quality improvement for the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care.

 

“Although a flu shot is not 100 percent effective against all strains of the flu, it is designed to protect against the expected strains for this season,” Golden said. “The flu shot saves lives and countless sick days.” As many as 36,000 people in the U.S. die each year from flu and its complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

“Keep in mind that a lot of other viruses can cause flu-like symptoms or other types of illness,” Golden said. “Whether you get a flu shot or not, a little common sense could help keep you and those around you as healthy as possible.”

 

To help prevent germs from spreading:

• Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too. Keep in mind that for some people, such as infants, the elderly or those with chronic health problems, even a cold can be dangerous.
• Stay home, if possible, when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help wash away germs before they make you or someone else sick. If soap and water aren’t available, gel-based hand sanitizers can kill germs without water.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you do cough or sneeze on your hands, wash them or use hand sanitizer afterward so that you don’t spread germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that has germs on it, and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Take care of yourself. Eating right and getting plenty of rest can help you stay well.

 

People who are at high risk (young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with health problems) should contact their doctor early if they get flu-like symptoms (muscle aches, high fever, and nonproductive cough). Antiviral medicine for the flu works best if taken during the first 48 hours of the illness.

 

However, if you go to the doctor for a flu or cold, don’t ask for or expect a prescription for antibiotics. Antibiotics do not work on viruses.

 

For several years, the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care has been working to encourage flu and pneumonia immunization for Arkansans who are at high risk. AFMC has developed a number of tools to help doctors communicate with patients about the importance of flu shots, including reminder stickers for patients’ charts, and posters and appointment cards with the slogan, “Don’t be a baby. Get your flu shot.” AFMC also works with physicians and hospitals to encourage health care workers to support flu education campaigns every year.

 

For over 30 years, through utilization review, quality improvement projects, and public education, the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care has worked to improve the health of Arkansans. Our mission statement: To promote excellence in health care through evaluation and education. Visit our online newsroom at www.afmc.org/media.