Hopefully, you are not one of the unfortunate ones who had the flu during the holidays. Flu season is in full-swing and the number of confirmed cases is on the rise. So, if you haven’t gotten a flu shot, don’t put it off any longer!
“While getting the vaccine will not guarantee immunity from the flu, we encourage everyone in the community to get vaccinated, especially those who are at risk or are a caretaker of someone who is high risk,” says Theresa Metro-Lewis, a registered nurse who works in the infection prevention department at Habersham Medical Center. “Everyone older than six months of age should get a flu shot, even if you do not have any risk factors.”
To be proactive in the fight against contagious germs and to reduce the risk of flu, Habersham Medical Center also urges visitors not to enter the hospital or area nursing homes or assisted living facilities if they are ill or think they might be getting sick. Children, under the age of 12, are also currently restricted from visiting patients at Habersham Medical Center, except siblings of newborns. “We want to protect as many people as we can,” adds Metro-Lewis. “This visitation policy will be in effect through March 31, 2016.”
To prevent catching the flu, there are many ways to protect yourself and others including:
- If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with tissue.
- If you have symptoms of the flu, please wear a mask when out in public or around people.
- Apply alcohol-based hand sanitizer to your hands often, or wash with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
“While visiting Habersham Medical Center, you can obtain tissues and/or masks from any nurses’ station or from the front desk,” adds Metro-Lewis. “Alcohol-based hand sanitizer dispensers are also conveniently located throughout the facility.”
Common flu symptoms may include high fever, headache, tiredness/weakness, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, or body aches. “Most people who get influenza feel sick for a week or two and recover. In some people, influenza leads to more serious lung infections,” says Metro-Lewis. “Signs that influenza is getting worse include fever, chills and shortness of breath.” If you develop flu-like symptoms, it is important to contact your health care provider.
