Flu Season
Jasper County has experienced its fair share of being infected with the flu this year. With our culture of instant transmission in the media, it is sad and scary to hear of the stories of children and otherwise healthy adults succumbing within a couple of days to the flu.
There are 4 types of Influenza virus (Types A, B, C, & D) and with their many variations depending on host of origin, location, strain number, etc; there are potentially as many as 144 different strains of the flu. Which is why when it comes to the CDC creating a vaccine each year, they are essentially playing darts with which vaccine ingredients to manufacture.
But the CDC says that getting the flu shot is still better than not getting it. Just because you may not catch the predominating strain, the vaccine can still protect you from the other virulent strains.
Influenza A (H3N2) is the most aggressive and the one that is making the headlines these days; also capable of infecting dogs and birds. The virus attacks the respiratory system causing severe inflammation of the lungs which can lead to a secondary bacterial or viral pneumonia.
But you can dramatically decrease your chances of infection through simple hygienic habits:
•Washing Your Hands
•Covering your sneeze or cough with your elbow, NOT your hands
•Disinfecting any public hard surface or using a barrier (tissue/glove/etc)
•Grocery cart handles
•Public bathroom handles
•ATM buttons
•The family’s TV remote control
The influenza virus can live on hard surfaces for approximately 24 hours. And when someone infected (even before they realize it) sneezes or coughs, the virus can linger in the air as droplets for several hours. And even longer with colder air. When you touch a surface that is infected and then inadvertently touch your eyes, nose, or mouth…..you’ve just provided a perfect pathway. So, wash your hands.
So, when you deal with it at home vs seeking medical attention? You’ve heard the reports about shortages of Tamiflu, packed ER’s, and shortages of “fluids” in the hospitals.
Sepsis is a very real life-threatening condition that can be caused when the body is either so overwhelmed with the infection or when the body’s response to the infection creates a “storm” that shuts down its own organs. Here is an acronym for the most common symptoms of sepsis that should be evaluated by a doctor immediately:
S – Slurred Speech
E – Extreme Shivering or muscle pain
P – Passing no urine in a day
S- Severe shortness of breath
I – “I feel like I might die”
S – Skin mottled or discolored
If these symptoms are present you need to seek medical attention immediately! I hope everyone can stay healthy. Ben Franklin’s quote has never been more right, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Stay safe Jasper!
