Fighting The Flu

The holiday season brings joy and feelings of warmth and fellowship. But sadly, the holiday season also brings on the height of flu season. While the timing of seasonal flu activity is unpredictable and can vary, flu season is generally considered between October and May, with peaks between December and February. This common respiratory virus is easily spread, and can result in missed days at school, work, and leave you feeling lousy in the process.  

Knowledge Is Power

Here are some important facts about the flu, and how to keep it from running rampant through your home and workplace.

What Symptoms Should I Look Out For?

• High Fever                 Extreme Tiredness
• Dry Cough                 Muscle Aches
• Sore Throat                Runny or Stuffy Nose
• Headache                   Vomiting
• Diarrhea                     Shortness of Breath

Usually, these symptoms have a sudden onset. Be mindful of them as soon as they present themselves to prevent spreading the virus.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Spreading or Getting the Flu?

Flu is contracted by inhaling respiratory droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. A person can also become infected by touching an object contaminated by the flu virus (possibly from a hand that covered a sneeze), and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. A person is contagious from one day before presenting symptoms, to up to seven days after getting sick.

Follow these suggestions to minimize your risks of getting or spreading the infection.

• Wash your hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing and wiping or blowing your nose.
• Use paper tissues when wiping or blowing your nose, and throw them away after use.
• Cough into a tissue or the inside of your elbow instead of your bare hand.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes; germs enter the body through these openings.
• Stay home if you have flu symptoms until you are fever-free without medication for 24 hours.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay away from crowds, if possible.
• Get a flu shot

All Patient First Medical Centers are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year, including Christmas and New Year’s.  Patient First provides non-appointment urgent care for routine injuries and illnesses, primary care for patients who do not have a regular physician, as well as telehealth services.  Each Patient First center has on-site digital x-ray, on-site laboratory, and on-site prescription drugs. Patient First currently operates medical centers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.

Contact:  George Yanoshik

                          (484) 322-6809 (Office)

                          (610) 389-0983 (Mobile)

                          George.Yanoshik@patientfirst.com