Page 4 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - February, 2018

4

HEALTH/WELLNESS

Help stop the spread of dreaded flu

It’s not too late to get they provide care. palsy, muscular dystrophy or
vaccinated during If you feel sick developmental disability
n Children younger than 2
this particularly While vaccination is the n Those younger than 19
rough flu season surest way to prevent the flu, who are receiving long-term
there are other simple steps aspirin therapy
that can help prevent the n Women who are pregnant
The hospitalization rate for n Ages 50 and older
the 2017-18 influenza season spread of flu and other germs n People of any age who
that make people sick.
is the highest the Centers for n Stay home from work or have a chronic medical
Disease Control has recorded school if you have flu symptoms condition such as asthma,
at this point in the season. n Cover your mouth and neuromuscular disease,
The contagious nose with a tissue when you diabetes, heart disease or
respiratory disease can cough or sneeze. chronic respiratory disease
lead to serious illness. Each n If you don’t have a tissue, n People with suppressed
year, thousands of healthy cough or sneeze into your immune systems such as
adults and children visit a upper sleeve, not your hands. those with HIV or who take
doctor or are hospitalized n Put used tissues in the medicines that weaken the
from complications. Flu is waste basket. immune system
unpredictable and can be n Wash hands with soap Important: Anyone who
severe. and water after coughing or becomes sick with a flu-like
The CDC recommends sneezing. illness should seek medical
everyone age 6 months and n If soap and water are not treatment if symptoms are
older get an annual flu vaccine. available, use an alcohol-based very severe, quickly worsen or
Being protected can reduce hand cleaner. improve but return.
doctor’s visits, hospitalizations, important to have an annual n If you are sick, stay home.
missed work and school and flu vaccination. Each year, a Anyone who is sick with What to watch for
help prevent the spread of flu. new vaccine is developed to the flu should stay home Some people can become
Vaccination protects women fight the specific viruses that from work, school and other extremely ill with the flu and
during and after pregnancy research indicates are most public places except to seek need emergency medical
and can protect the baby for likely to cause illness during medical care or for other care. If you or a child in your
several months after birth. the upcoming season. necessities. Most people will
While this year’s shot is a household becomes sick and
How to tell if it’s the flu poor match for the viruses get over the flu at home with exhibits any of these warning
rest and fluids. Medicines to
signs, seek emergency medical
It can be challenging to tell going around, it might make relieve fever and aches can care immediately.
your illness milder if you do
whether you have the flu based get sick. help. Antiviral drugs can For children
on symptoms alone. It takes up to two weeks reduce symptoms, shorten the n Fast breathing or trouble
Flu symptoms can include: for protection to develop after duration of the illness and can breathing
n Fever or feeling feverish vaccination. Protection can prevent serious complications n Bluish skin color
n Cough last about a year. such as pneumonia. n Not drinking enough
n Sore throat Certain people have However, do not give fluids (if you notice fewer
n Runny or stuffy nose a greater need to get aspirin to anyone age 18 or wet diapers or fewer trips to
n Muscle or body aches vaccinated every year: younger. Children who have urinate than normal)
n Fatigue n Ages 50 and older the flu and take aspirin can n Not waking up or not
Some people might have n People of any age with get a severe illness called Reye interacting normally
vomiting and diarrhea, though certain chronic medical Syndrome. n Being so irritable they do
this is more common in conditions such as lung or not want to be held
children than adults. Many heart disease or diabetes Seeking medical help n Fever with a rash
people do not have a fever. The n Children younger than Some people should seek For adults
only way to know for certain age 5, but especially those prompt treatment (within 48 n Difficulty breathing or
if your illness is caused by the younger than 2 hours of the onset of illness) if shortness of breath
flu virus is to have a specific flu n Pregnant women they develop symptoms of flu- n Pain or pressure in the
test from your doctor. n Nursing home residents like illness. chest or abdomen
The people at risk for
n It is extremely important
Everyone needs a shot for caregivers to get an annual complications are: n Sudden dizziness
n Confusion
Because influenza viruses flu vaccination to help protect n Children or adults with n Severe or persistent
continually change, it is the health of those for whom a disability, such as cerebral vomiting