We are flu safe - are you?
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Hi, I’m Sue Kramer, Infection Preventionist, Employee Health at Hudson Hospital & Clinic and welcome to my blog!
Did you know? Seasonal influenza (flu) may cause three to five million cases of severe illness and up to 500,000 deaths per year worldwide. Vaccination against influenza is considered one of the most effective ways of preventing mortality, complications and hospitalizations. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children six months of age and older and adults receive an influenza shot annually.
Check out this helpful symptom chart to determine if you have a cold or flu - Is it a cold or influenza?
You can take these everyday steps to protect yourself and others from getting sick:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand cleaner
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Touching thse areas spreads germs.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay home from work or school, and avoid close contact with others when you are sick.
- Stay healthy – get your flu shot!
The 2013-14 influenza season will be the first in which quadrivalent influenza vaccines will be available at Hudson Hospital & Clinic. Quadrivalent vaccine includes two A strains and two B strains to help protect against influenza disease.
Hudson Hospital & Clinic offers two Flu Clinic locations for the community:
- Hudson Hospital Specialty Clinics, located on second floor of the hospital offers flu shots Mondays - Fridays, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. To learn more call (715) 531-6700.
- HealthPartners Roberts Clinic, located at 143 Jennifer Rae Junction N., Roberts, WI. To learn more call (715) 531-6600.
Do you have any flu safe tips to share? Send me your comments at info@hudsonhospital.org or join the conversation on Facebook.
Hudson Hospital & Clinic website and social media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional disclaimer information.
Categories: General