Each year an estimated 36,000 people die from flu complications, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Based on information gathered since the H1N1 flu outbreak began in April, people younger than 25 years old appear to be sicker than other categories.
As cold and flu season begins, remember that simple hand hygiene techniques are the best line of defense against infections and any form of flu.
According to CDC, symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to typical flu symptoms and include fever, lack of appetite and coughing.
Symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea also have been reported, according to CDC.
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Cleburne, and other hospitals, are not providing mass testing for the H1N1 flu, and Texas Health Cleburne is asking individuals to comply with CDC recommendations.
CDC instructs individuals who are sick to stay at home and avoid interacting with other people until 24 hours after the fever breaks.
“This flu season is anticipated to be worse than last year,” said Carol Olivier, R.N., infection prevention practioner. “Texas Health Cleburne has been preparing for this, and we want our community to know that we are here to help them. However, we are asking that people use our resources wisely and work with their physician to determine the best time to go to the hospital with flu symptoms.”
To minimize exposure to communicable diseases, individuals must seek the appropriate level of medical care.
Individuals who think they might have the H1N1 flu, particularly those who fall into a higher-risk category, should call a physician to make an appointment.
The CDC has identified the following warning signs that adults may need immediate medical attention:
zx Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath;
zx Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen;
zx Sudden dizziness;
zx Confusion;
zx Severe or persistent vomiting; and
zx Symptoms that improve but then worsen along with a fever.
The easiest ways to protect against the flu is to cover the mouth and nose when sneezing — often sneezing into the elbow is the most efficient way — clean hands often, and remind children to practice healthy habits, according to the CDC.
To ensure hands are effectively cleaned, follow these six steps:
zx Wet hands with warm water.
zx Apply soap.
zx Rub hands together for at least 15 seconds — sing “Happy Birthday” twice or the “ABCs.” Be sure to wash front and back of hands, between fingers, around and under fingernails.
zx Rinse well, letting water drip off fingers, not run down arms.
zx Dry hands with paper towel.
zx Turn off water with paper towel. Remember that dirty hands turned the water faucet on.
Alcohol-based hand rubs and disinfecting wipes also may be used.
For more information about the H1N1flu should visit www.texashealth.org.
Cleburne
Related Photos
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Nurse Darlene Cox administers a vaccine to Viviane Daniels at the second annual drive-thru flu shot clinic at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Cleburne Saturday afternoon. Cox said they had given almost 200 shots by noon, and Ronda Dillard said they had 10 left out of 276 by 2 p.m. Taylor Short/Times-Review
Discussion
Individuals should stay home when flu symptoms strike
Hand hygiene best defense
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