Flu season coming to an end
 |
| Pharmacist Bob Rorrer fills perscriptions for Tamiflu for people who have the flu and those who have been exposed. The drug treats the symptoms and serves as a preventive measure against the virus. (LAURA SANDERS/Rockbridge Report) |
Flu season is almost over. The Centers for Disease Control declared flu activity in Virginia as widespread, but there haven't been any reported epidemics in Rockbridge County. Many people contracted viruses with flu-like symptoms, but not the influenza virus.
| Flu symptoms: | Fever (usually 101-102 degrees), sore throat, muscle aches, and a non-productive cough, runny nose, headache, burning in the chest and eye pain or sensitivity to light |
| Flu season: | Peaks between December and March, but may occur later or earlier |
| When is it contagious? | Can spread from 1 to 2 days before the onset of symptoms and 4-5 days after symptoms begin |
| Flu Vaccine: | Nasal spray or injection |
| Vaccine Efficacy: | 70-90% effective among persons <65 years of age
30-40% effective among frail elderly |
| Vaccine Recommendations | All persons 50 years and older
Residents of long-term care facilities
Pregnant women
Persons with long-term health problems |
| Flu Prevention: | Cough or sneeze into tissues, not your hands
Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 or more seconds or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
If you have flu symptoms, do not expose your co-workers |
Information provided by Deborah Bundy-Carpenter, Nurse Epidemiologist Central Shenandoah Health District
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Prof. Phylissa
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