Steps can cut chances of getting flu

With the recent news that the flu vaccine will be in short supply this season, Red Willow County Health De-partment, Community Hospital of McCook and McCook Clinic would like to offer some methods to help you protect yourself and others from exposure to flu and colds.

Of course, if possible, the flu shot is the best possible protection, however due to the urgent shortage situation, healthy people that do not fall into high risk categories are being asked to defer or forgo their vaccination so that others with a greater health need can receive one.

So, what if you are one of those that will not be getting the flu shot this season? There are actually a lot of common sense methods to reduce your risks of contracting the flu.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms include a fever (usually high), head and muscle aches, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sometimes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, more commonly in children. The flu can cause mild to severe illness and even lead to death if serious complications develop.

It is spread through respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing, usually directly from person to person. Another mode is through touching objects like a doorknob, pens and papers, towels, sharing eating utensils/drinking glasses, etc. that have the virus on it and then touching your mouth or nose.

Adults can infect others a day prior to getting symptoms and up to seven days after getting sick, so you can already be contagious even though you feel OK.

Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent spread. Many times we unconsciously rub our eyes or nose after our hands may have been contaminated by the virus. Keep your soap and hand towel dispensers stocked and don't share towels. It's especially important to wash hands before, during and after food preparation, before you eat, after using the bathroom or changing diapers, after handling animals or their waste, and more frequently when someone in your home is sick. Vigorously rubbing your hands together and scrubbing with soap and water for 10-15 seconds is recommended. Then rinse well and dry. Hand sanitizers can be useful if soap and water are not available for hand washing and hands are not soiled. Use them according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched by people such as handles, water fountains, desktops, phones, and keyboards. Have tissues available and cover your nose and mouth when coughing sneezing and nose blowing. If a tissue isn't available, cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands.

While regular attendance at school and work is to be encouraged, if you have a fever or uncontrollable cough and sneezing or any other symptoms of flu, you need to consider others and STAY AT HOME 'TILL BETTER! During outbreaks of the flu, sometimes, avoiding situations where there are crowds or lots of contact with people can be an important preventative measure.

Maintaining a healthy diet with lots of fluids, and adequate rest helps your immune system to better fight colds and flu.

Healthy habits can protect you and your family from both getting germs and spreading them. Be proactive in reducing your chances of getting the flu.

-- Swanda is director of the Red Willow County Health Department.