(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - It’s now official. It’s Flu ‘sneeze-un’. Several cases of influenza and f u-like illnesses have been reported locally and an analysis of influenza surveillance data by PeaceHealth Infectious Disease Physicians and the PeaceHealth Infection Prevention Team has determined that active infl uenza season in our area has begun.

How do you know if it’s really the flu or just a cold? Sneezing does happen sometimes with the flu but it’s more common with colds. Other differences are:

If you have the flu, there are measures you should take for your own health and the health of those around you.

• Stay home if you have the fl u or any contagious illness.
• Cover your cough, ideally with your inner elbow to avoid spreading germs to your hands where it’s more likely to be spread.
• Practice good hand hygiene – frequently wash your hands with a hand sanitizer or soap and water.

There are also ways to avoid getting the flu.

• Practicing good hand hygiene will not only help stop the spread of flu, but it is a primary factor in avoiding flu in the first place.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth to avoid putting the flu virus where an infection can begin.
• Get a seasonal flu shot.

Anyone can get the flu. People at high risk for severe illness are the elderly, the very young and those with chronic medical problems like heart or lung conditions, diabetes or trouble with their immune system.

There are no effective over-the-counter medicines to combat flu. While the general rule is for people with flu to rest and drink lots of liquids, any concerns about health including persistent fever should be discussed with a physician.

Yearly flu shots have been proven effective and are available locally at clinics and pharmacies.

On the Web:

More information is available at: www.flu.gov.

State of Alaska:
http://www.flu.gov/planning-preparedness/states/alaska.html

Source of News: 

PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center
www.peacehealth.org

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Ketchikan, Alaska

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