In early January, Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA, had so many people coming into the emergency room with flu symptoms that it set up a mobile ER—actually a large tent—to handle the flow.
“The fevers have been really high, up to 105, 106,” Dr. Andrew Miller told The Morning Call. “I’ve never seen them that high.”
The most recent report from the Centers for Disease Control said that 41 states have an “elevated” flu increase this winter. Pennsylvania has seen 22 flu-related deaths, so had South Carolina. Boston’s mayor declared a public health emergency. There have been 37 deaths of children.
The earliest symptom of flu exposure is feeling tired and needing more sleep. You know your body, and you may recognize when this kind of exhaustion is different. If you have a change in your sleep pattern, appetite, or activity levels, you might want to stay home from social activities.
Your best defense against influenza is getting a flu shot. It’s not too late to be immunized and highly recommended by the CDC. Many areas throughout the U.S. are offering free flu shot clinics to help combat the virus. Check your local public health department to see if you can get one. Many pharmacies, including Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS, offer fee-based shots, so no need to make an appointment at the doctor.
You can also take some basic precautions. First, avoid close contact with people who are sick and, second, stay home from work, school, or errands if you are sick. Staying close to home will “force” you to rest and keep you from spreading the virus.
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, use the crook of your arm—which many of you have taught your students. That prevents the germs from landing in your hands. Which brings us to … wash your hands. Indeed, washing your hands often is the simplest preventative measure for a myriad of viruses when you soap up and wash thoroughly. And now would be a particularly good time to have a hand sanitizer nearby when soap and water aren’t available.
Germs spread when you touch something contaminated, then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Try to be conscious of your hands, since actions like rubbing your eyes can be almost robotic. At the same time, keep frequently touched surfaces clean and disinfected. According to Time, your keyboard is one of the six dirtiest places in your office, ranking number three behind the break room sink faucet handles and microwave door handles.
To keep the germs at bay at work, Dr. Charles Gerba, professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona suggests:
- Keep hand sanitizer at your desk and use it immediately after every meeting or conference
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when you get to work, especially after riding mass transit, such as trains or buses
- Use disinfectant wipes to clean your desk at least once a day, particularly if you eat at your desk
- Use disinfectant wipes to sanitize high-touch areas in a break room, or use paper towels to touch them
- Keep hand sanitizer in the break room to reinforce healthy hand-hygiene behaviors
What if you get the flu? Expect to be sick and contagious for about seven days with any or all of the following.
- A 100F or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)
- A cough and/or sore throat
- A runny or stuffy nose
- Headaches and/or body aches
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)
Kaiser Permanente Health suggests a trip to the hospital if you have the flu and experience any of these.
- A high fever that does not respond to fever-reducing medication
- Shortness of breath
- Unable to keep down fluids because of nausea
- Vomiting or sweating, and unable to replenish the liquids (dehydration)
- Having an underlying medical condition (especially people with chronic illnesses such as pulmonary, cardiovascular and neurological conditions)
- Aged 65 years old or older
- A flu-infected child under the age of two
Nothing can guarantee you will not get the flu. But taking precautions will put up your shields to reduce the risk.
Additional ISM resources of interest
ISM Monthly Update for Risk Managers Vol. 3 No. 4 Warding Off the Flu
ISM Private School News Vol. 8 No. 2 Top Ten Vaccines for Teenager
Web MD Teens Learn About Colds and Germs
Resources for ISM Consortium Gold Members
Ideas & Perspectives Vol. 29 No. 8 Food Services for Day Schools: Student Wellness
