Baton Rouge, La. – According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the state has seen widespread and early flu activity.
“In more severe seasons, the
flu causes approximately 700 deaths and nearly 8,000 hospitalizations each year
in Louisiana. We are already on track to meet and possibly exceed these
statistics for the 2017/18 flu season,” said Dr. Frank Welch, state
immunization medical director.
The Louisiana Department of Health
offers these reminders to help keep people from spreading the flu:
·
Avoid close contact with people who
are sick.
- If you have cold symptoms or have fever greater than
100.3, stay away from others until you have not had a fever for 24
hours.
- Call your doctor immediately to see if an antiviral
medication is appropriate for you.
- If you are sick, do not visit vulnerable loved ones who
may be receiving care in a hospital, nursing home, cancer center or other
setting.
- If you are sick, do not kiss babies, pregnant women,
grandparents, and others who may be at a higher risk of getting
sick.
- Cover your cough and sneeze.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Wash your hands
frequently.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be
contaminated with germs like the flu.
- It’s not too late to get a flu shot.
The Department of Health is offering
free flu shots at parish health units across the state until February 12, 2018.
To schedule an appointment to
receive a flu shot, find the Parish Health Unit nearest to you by
visiting http://ldh.la.gov/FightTheFlu and
then call to schedule your visit.
Information provided by the Louisiana Department of Health.
###
No comments:
Post a Comment