Can you believe the switch in weather? As beautiful as it is, it also means cold and
flu season is upon us.
We all know what to do, but sometimes a few friendly
reminders are needed. This year we were
able to vaccinate 132 students here at the Middle School. This is a service provided to NH schools
through the Department of Health and Human Services and the Public Health
Department. While we can’t be 100%
positive that this vaccine will prevent the prevalent influenza strain this season,
it does decrease the chances of becoming infected.
Of course we don’t willingly hang out with sick people, but
sometimes it is just not avoidable.
Public places like schools, work, grocery stores, gas stations are Petri
dishes with an assortment of germs that may, or may not make us sick. Fortunately, our immune system helps protect
us, but we have some leg work to do as well.
#1:
Vaccinate against the Flu. Ask your
family Medical Provider about vaccine clinics in your area. This is a safe and easy way to help prevent
the virus.
#2: Stops
Germs! Limit exposure to sick
people. Stay home and rest! If you can, stay home at least 24 hours after
your fever is gone without fever-reducing medications. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue, or
‘sneeze in your sleeve’. Throw tissue
away and WASH YOUR HANDS. If soap and
water is not available, an alcohol based hand sanitizer may be used. Soap and
water are best. Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes. This is an easy way to transmit germs. Clean
and disinfect surface areas when needed.
#3: Stay
hydrated. Water is a miracle…we need it
to survive. When we are ill, we need
more to prevent dehydration and flush out our systems.
This is a tough time on the calendar. We are run down, stressed, tired, not to mention
the weather is dark and cold and we have 2 major holidays before the end of the
year. This is a perfect storm allowing
germs to settle in and take over.
Take time for yourself and your family. Care for one another, and stay healthy.
For more information, please use this link for the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
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