SPARTANBURG, SC – As flu season approaches, it’s important to learn and follow steps that can protect you and your loved ones from contracting the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists four important steps to reduce your risk of infection:
- Wash your hands consistently throughout the day. Hand washing is still one of the most effective and easiest ways to prevent infection.
- Keep your hands away from your face. Microscopic germs find their way into our bodies most often through hand-to-eye, nose or mouth contact. Door knobs and handles, office coffee pots and grocery cart handles can all carry the virus.
- Stay away from sick people. Individuals can still be contagious for 24 hours after a fever and other symptoms cease.
- Get vaccinated. Even when a vaccine is not a perfect match for a flu strain, it still benefits the recipient by decreasing the intensity and duration of the illness and preventing complications.
“Besides getting a flu shot, the best way to prevent the flu is the common sense things we learned as children,” said Dr. Jessica Heintzelman, a family physician with Mary Black Physicians Group (MBPG) Family and Internal Medicine West. “Wash your hands regularly, keep your hands away from your face and avoid people who are sick.”
If you do become ill and suspect the flu virus, see your doctor or visit a minor care center; you may receive a prescription for an antiviral medication which can lessen flu symptoms and help you recover faster. This is a critically-important step for those who are at higher risk for flu complications, such as young children, adults age 65-plus, and those with lung disease and compromised immune systems.
When you’re ill, you can help stop the spread of viruses by staying home, except for medical care visits, until you have been fever- and symptom-free for 24 hours. Protect others from your sneezes and coughs by turning away from people and bringing your sleeved arm up to sneeze or cough into your elbow.
“People who are at higher risk for flu-related complications should see their doctor immediately if they suspect they have the flu to ensure they are monitored for complications,” says Dr. Heintzelman.
Unlike a cold, the flu typically comes on suddenly. It is a contagious respiratory virus adults may unknowingly spread before experiencing symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu symptoms include fever or feeling feverish/chills (although not everyone with flu will have a fever); cough; sore throat; runny or stuffy nose; muscle or body aches; headaches; fatigue; and vomiting and diarrhea, which are more common in children.
To find a primary care doctor, visit www.MyMaryBlackPhysician.com.
About Mary Black Health System
Mary Black Health System LLC is a health care delivery system comprised of Mary Black Health System – Spartanburg, Mary Black Health System - Gaffney, Mary Black Physicians Group, and Mary Black Health Network, Inc. The combined organization has 332 licensed beds, more than 1400 employees and more than 400 physicians on medical staff. Providing health care services to Upstate residents for more than 90 years, Mary Black Health System – Spartanburg’s acute care hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission, The Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (Chest Pain Accreditation), and is a Certified Stroke Center. It features surgical suites, a warm and inviting Family Birthing Center, nationally credentialed (CARF) Inpatient Rehabilitation, a 24 bed Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Geriatric Psychiatric Services, and a Sleep Center. Outpatient services include Radiology, Endoscopy Center, Wound Center, Rehabilitation Services and Women’s Breast Health Center featuring same-day digital mammography and bone density testing. We are a patient-centered, professional, highly skilled health care system, which provides a continuum of care through the dedicated work of our nurses, staff, and volunteers.