Flu shots, proper hygiene keys to staying healthy each winter
The Christmas season has given way to flu season when outbreaks make the rounds of offices and classrooms.
“I believe there have been some sporadic cases, but it hasn't really become rampant,” said Dr. John Love, a member of the infectious disease group at Butler County Memorial Hospital, of local outbreaks. “We are nowhere near the peak of season.”
The symptoms this year's flu is causing in its victims are fever, respiratory symptoms, muscle aches and in some cases, a sore throat, doctors said.
Hand sanitizers and wipes can guard against flu viruses, but no more than soap and water.
“We really push good hand hygiene and cough etiquette,” said Love. “During the swine flu outbreak in 2009, little children were trained to cough and sneeze into their elbows to disrupt the misting process.”
A flu shot's protection should last until late spring, but it's only effective against this year's crop of influenza viruses.
A full story appears in the Butler Eagle.
