In sharing this post, the GCMB team is not attempting to provide medical care. We are not medical professionals. We’re moms who are champions for the health and well-being of our precious children. Furthermore, we understand that vaccines are a personal choice: we do not preach vaccination, nor anti-vaccination. With the help of the CDC, we’re simply sharing some quick tips and local information about the widespread and rampant flu virus this year. Stay healthy, friends!
Friends, this is bad. I am not here to strike fear or raise panic, but we need to be on guard. For ourselves and each other.
The flu. Also called: influenza. It is a viral infection {NOT vomiting and diarrhea} that is very common. Spreads easily. Partially preventable. Typically self-diagnosable and self-treatable. However, with its unpredictability, the flu doesn’t discriminate and can prove to be deadly, though deadly cases tend to be limited to the very young, the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions {think respiratory illnesses}, a very small percentage of otherwise healthy people do develop serious complications.
Know what symptoms to watch for:
- Fever and chills
- Sore throat
- Cough and runny nose or congestion
- Fatigue and achiness all over
- Headache
If you experience any of these suddenly {remember, the flu tends to come on suddenly, versus a cold that you can feel ease its way into your body}, get to your doctor or an Urgent Care within 48 hours for anti-viral help (think Tamiflu).
This season is said to be potentially worse than the 2014-2015 season, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The 2017-2018 flu season is shaping up to be bad. And friends, we in Michigan are NOT exempt. There have been 37 pediatric deaths reported this year. Of that number, 5 of those deaths are in the same region (Region 5) as Michigan.
I am not here to preach vaccination, nor anti-vaccination. Just know it is not too late to get immunized, if you so choose. Recommended in October and November before the onset of the season {because it can take up to 2 weeks to build up your immune system}, the flu vaccine is typically available through April. And while not 100% effective, not even the normal 40%-60% effective this year, it is still better to be 32% protected against the nasty strain of H3N2 that is attacking us head on.
We want for each of you and your family members to stay flu-free. Some quick and easy tips to help prevent the flu from invading your home:
- Wash your hands! And if you think you’ve washed them enough…wash them again!
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing!
- Boost your immune system with enough sleep and by eating the right food!
And if this nastiness does invade your home, know that you are not alone. We must ban together to rid us all of this yuck, and in order to do so, please stay home and get well! You are not doing anyone any favors by pushing yourself or your children to go to work and school.
Do you watch Sid the Science Kid with your child(ren)? We love this program in our home. Teacher Susie does such an amazing job at teaching the kids (and us) about science. I will leave you with this: The Journey of a Germ.
Stay healthy, friends!
