Community Corner
How to Prevent the Flu in Hartland
The Michigan Department of Community Health confirmed the first influenza cases of the 2013-14 Flu Season last week.
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) confirmed four cases of influenza last week, the first identified by the state laboratory during the 2013-2014 Michigan flu season. The illnesses occurred in both children and adults, from two Southeast Michigan counties. Three cases have been confirmed as influenza A(H1N1) 2009 viruses and one as an influenza A(H3N2) virus.
"Each year, we expect the first influenza cases to appear in the fall and this year has proven to be no different," said James K. Haveman, Director of the MDCH, said in a news release. "We continue to encourage all Michigan citizens to get vaccinated as it is the single best way to prevent the flu."
While influenza A viruses have now been confirmed in Michigan, it is too early to tell what influenza viruses will circulate during this influenza season or how severe the influenza season may be. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will report Michigan's flu activity as "sporadic," the second lowest of five influenza activity categories the federal government tracks. Nationally, a mix of sporadic influenza viruses have been detected during the past month.
Flu activity typically peaks in late January through February, but can sometimes peak earlier or later, depending on the strain of flu and severity of the season. Because of the unpredictability of each flu season, it is important to get vaccinated early before flu activity is widespread in the community. It takes about two weeks from the time of flu vaccination to develop protection, so no one should delay getting immunized.
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Here are some other tips from the CDC:
1. Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4. Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
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