Fight the Flu
The seasonal flu generally begins around October and runs through March.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals have both reported unusually high rates of flu in Louisiana early this flu season.Dr. Phillip Ehlers talks with WVLA - NBC 33 about how you can keep your family well.
Here are some important reminders to help prevent the spread of any type of infection or illness as recommended by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact your doctor, local Lake After Hours clinic or call Lake Line Direct at 765-LAKE (5253).
Watch Dr. Michelle Flechas explain the differences between the cold and the flu, and see a chart of each illness's symptoms.
Emergency Warning Signs
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Severe or persistent vomiting
Visitors experiencing flu-like symptoms are being asked not to visit hospital patients.
In addition, patients with flu-like symptoms who go to the ER for treatment will be asked to wear a surgical mask while in the waiting areas. In order to better serve our patients and reduce the risk of cross contamination, patients will be located on a single nursing unit, one for adults and one for pediatrics.