Published: September 30, 2009 05:11 pm      

Flu season has arrived

Each week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta publishes “FluView” – its findings of influenza indicators across the U.S.

During the week of Sept. 13-19, the CDC found flu activity continued to increase compared to previous weeks. According the CDC:

• Doctor visits for flu-like illnesses had increased six consecutive weeks and were higher than expected for this time of year.

• Flu hospitalization rates for adults and children were, again, higher than expected.

• Three pediatric deaths related to the H1N1 virus were reported the week of Sept. 13-19.

• Twenty-six states were reporting widespread flu activity, while Indiana saw regional cases. Any report of widespread activity in September is very unusual.

The Howard County Health Department expects to receive 10,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine for distribution this month. The health department plans to vaccinate school-age children at their schools, and it is encouraging doctors to vaccinate pregnant women and pre-schoolers.

But what do you do if you’re not among those at risk of contracting H1N1? The CDC suggests:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue away.

• Wash you hands often with soap and water.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

• And if you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

And, as we pointed out early in September, experts suggest having a two-week supply of water and food. You might need such a supply during a pandemic if you cannot get to a store or if stores run out of supplies.

Flu season is no fun, but if we can all use some common sense, we’ll get through it with the least amount of pain possible.