SEASONAL FLU PRECAUTIONS
 

According to the CDC, influenza activity is increasing nationwide. Currently we are seeing high levels of flu and flu-like illness throughout Florida (including here in Okaloosa County). The most common type of flu is influenza A. Please take proper precautions and note the following key "Flu Facts".

1. It's not too late to Vaccinate - The flu vaccine is effective and needs to be re-administered EVERY year
2. Proper Handwashing is Key - Use warm water, lather all surfaces of hands with water, rinse well and dry with a single use paper towel
3. Cough on your Sleeve - Avoid coughing anywhere but in a tissue or on your sleeve
4. Symptoms to watch for -  Fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache and muscle ache
5. If you are Sick - Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever has subsided without the use of fever-reducing medicine
6. Who is at High Risk for Complications? - People over 65, children under 5, pregnant women and those with chronic illness



For More Information on the 2012-2013 Flu Season, Click Here.

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Updated: 12/04/12

The Okaloosa County Health Department urges residents and visitors to take precautions now to help limit their risk of exposure to seasonal flu and to get vaccinated if they have not already done so. According to the CDC, the United States has seen significant increases in flu activity over the last two weeks which means an early flu season has arrived. The flu is an infection of the respiratory tract caused by the influenza virus. Compared with most other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, influenza infection often causes a more severe illness.

The Florida Department of Health urges the following preventive steps for the flu:
♦  Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don’t have a
    tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
♦  Wash your hands often with soap and water. Practice good hand washing technique. Visit http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/. If soap and
    water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
♦  Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
♦  Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
♦  If you are sick with flu–like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, without the use of fever-reducing medicine,
    except to get medical care or for other necessities.
♦  Get re-vaccinated EVERY YEAR because flu viruses change each year.

Proper hand washing is KEY in preventing illness. Consider the following hand washing techniques provided by the CDC:
♦  Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
♦  Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands,
    between your fingers, and under your nails.
♦  Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from
    beginning to end twice.
♦  Rinse your hands well under running water.
♦  Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry.

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on them. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs. (Content provided by the CDC)


For More Information on the 2012-2013 Flu Season, Click Here.