Are you ready for flu season?

The flu season has arrived early this year and with the new H1N1 virus continuing to cause illness, hospitalizations and deaths in the US. Flu shots and hand washing are two of your best defenses against this virus.

Many of our Faith Community Nurses have taken a proactive stance by providing information to their congregations on this flu season. There is so much information being circulated and it’s difficult some time to separate fact from myth. Here is some helpful information below:

To minimize exposure to communicable diseases, it is vital that individuals seek the appropriate level of medical care. Individuals who think they might have the H1N1 flu, particularly those who fall into a higher-risk category, should call their physician to make an appointment.

The CDC has identified the following warning signs that adults may need immediate medical attention:
· Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath;
· Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen;
· Sudden dizziness;
· Confusion;
· Severe or persistent vomiting; and
· Symptoms that improve but then worsen along with a fever.

In the meantime, the easiest ways to protect yourself from the flu is to get your flu shot, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, often sneezing into your elbow is the most efficient way, clean your hands often, and remind children to practice healthy habits, according to the CDC.

What is the proper hand-washing technique? To ensure hands are effectively cleaned, follow these six steps:
1. Wet hands with warm water.
2. Apply soap.
3. Rub hands together for at least 15 seconds (sing "Happy Birthday" twice or the "ABCs.") Be sure to wash front and back of hands, between fingers, around and under fingernails.
4. Rinse well, letting water drip off fingers, not run down arms.
5. Dry hands with paper towel.
6. Turn off water with paper towel. (Remember that dirty hands turned the water faucet on.)
Alcohol-based hand rubs and disinfecting wipes also may be used.

Flu shots are one of your best lines of defense with the flu. Our executives even received their flu shot yesterday. My question for you... have you had your flu shot this year?

I encourage each of you to practice good hand washing, cough manners and get a flu shot.

- Paulette Golden, RN, MSN

Manager of Community Health and Faith Community Nursing