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U.S.
Senator Sherrod Brown
Staying
Healthy During Flu Season
Following
tragic reports of deaths from the flu
in Ohio, Connie and I send our thoughts and prayers to the families of
those
who have lost a loved one to this terrible and sudden illness. At the
same
time, we must actively take steps to prevent the illness from
spreading. My
office has been briefed by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC)
on new information about this season’s flu and the preventive steps
Ohioans can
take. Through sharing this information, it is my hope that each of us
will do
everything we can to avert another flu-related death in our community.
Seasonal
flu in Ohio is already widespread. To
put it into perspective, in the first week of 2013, 694 confirmed
flu-associated hospitalizations were reported. This time last year,
there were
under 50 flu-associated hospitalizations.
In
order to ensure citizens are up-to-date with
information, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
publishes
weekly updates about current activity and a summary of the flu’s
status. The
link is available here:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivitysurv.htm.
The
CDC also recommends everyone six months and
older receive a flu vaccine. Individuals with medical conditions,
pregnant
women, and people over 65 are especially encouraged to get vaccinated,
as are
medical professionals and people who live with the aforementioned
individuals.
Terry
Allan, RS, MPH, Cuyahoga County Board of
Health Commissioner, and President-Elect of the of National Association
of
County and City Health Officials, says that the flu shot is an
important tool
in fighting spread of the illness. Most patients being seen by health
professionals have not had the flu shot. He reminds us that, “There is
still
plenty of time to get vaccinated, and plenty of vaccine available.
Cases can
peak in late January or February, and new cases can be found into March
and
even April. Shots are available from your doctor’s office, health
department,
or local drug store.” He also encourages calling your physician if
symptoms
persist or worsen, especially high fever or listlessness. He explains
that, “A
doctor can help you decide whether an emergency room visit is
warranted. In
most cases, you can ride the flu out at home.”
In
addition to the recommended vaccine, there
are several other precautionary measures individuals can take toward
preventing
the flu. Some simple steps you can take to stay healthy during the flu
season
include:
Washing
your hands with soap and warm water for
about 20 seconds.
Covering
your cough with your elbow and using a
tissue when sneezing.
Practicing
healthy habits like eating a
balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables; drinking plenty of water;
exercising regularly; getting adequate rest; and staying away from sick
people.
Also,
public health experts advise that
individuals or children who get sick stay home from work or school and
childcare if they become infected.
The
State of Ohio through the Ohio Department
of Health is also monitoring this season’s flu. More state specific
information
as well as links to your local health department is available at:
http://www.odh.ohio.gov/features/odhfeatures/seasflu/seasonalinfluenza.aspx.
I
encourage all Ohioans—parents and teachers, employers
and workers—to learn how to protect themselves and their family from
the flu.
Together, we can work to prevent the illness from spreading and
tragically
taking another life.
Sincerely,
Sherrod
Brown
U.S.
Senator
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