Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Flu Season Comes Early And Hard

Flu season is starting early in the here in the Southeast. Tennessee is one of 5 states the CDC says are reporting high flu activity ahead of schedule.

"We're seeing flu activity across the state and we're seeing widespread activity, that's how we're classified by CDC," says Deputy State Epidemiologist John Dunn.

While a flu vacination is the best way to prevent getting the flu virus, there are steps you can take in your daily life to help protect you from getting the flu.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

See the weekly influenza surveillance report here.

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