Blog

Flu Awareness

Dear Trinity Apothecary visitor,

Flu season is here.

It’s reported on the TV news and radio that 2013 will be one of the worst flu seasons. We at Trinity Apothecary have gathered information that may help our members cope.

SIMPLE PERSONAL HYGIENE TIPS¹

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• If you get sick with a respiratory illness, like flu, limit contact with others as much as possible. Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medicine), except for medical care or necessities.

IS IT THE FLU OR THE COMMON COLD?²

Flu Symptoms Include:

• A 100^oF or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)
• A cough and/or sore throat
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches and/or body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea

The flu and the common cold have similar symptoms. It can be difficult to tell the difference between them. Your health care provider can give you a test within the first few days of your illness to determine whether or not you have the flu.

In general, the flu is worse than the common cold. Symptoms such as fever, body aches, tiredness, and cough are more common and intense with the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose.

KEEP IT CLEAN AND REDUCE THE RISK OF SPREADING FLU³
Routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces, including doorknobs, keyboards, and phones, to help remove germs.

GOVERNMENT FLU RESOURCE LINKS

• http://www.cdc.gov/flu/freeresources/
• http://admin.ena.org/news/alerts/H1N1_Resource_List.asp
• http://fluready.mckesson.com/
• http://www.flu.gov/#

Please note: Medical diagnosis is dependent solely upon the clinical judgment of the patient’s independent practitioner and health care team.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/everyday_preventive_9-24.pdf – Accessed January 24, 2013
2. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: http://www.flu.gov/symptoms-treatment/symptoms/index.html# – Accessed January 24, 2013
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/everyday_preventive_9-24.pdf – Accessed January 24, 2013

The above information is a selective summary of publically available information. Please consult the sources above for complete information.