The flu season is quickly approaching and it will have parents analyzing every cough and sniffle from their children. Health officials are suggesting that every family have a plan on how to stay home with their children when needed. They also ask that you review with your children the importance of washing their hands thoroughly.
Proper hand washing is the best prevention from colds and flu. It only requires one minute of your time. Suds your hands thoroughly in warm water and soap while counting to 20. Use a single towel to pat dry your hands and then use the towel to open the restroom door. Hand sanitizers should be 60 to 90% ethyl alcohol or isopropanol and used in addition to proper hand washing only.
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius reports that the flu vaccines are currently available and the HINI vaccines will be available the first part of October. Healthy adults should only need one dose of the vaccine instead of the recommend two doses for higher risk individuals. The Federal government has ordered 195 million doses of the vaccine. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the vaccine for healthcare workers, children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years, pregnant women, and people caring for infants younger than 6 months. People over 60 years seem to have developed some immunity while 24 years and under have not. Health officials have emphasized that children who have died from HINI were suffering with various complications from nervous system disorders or developmental delays.
Researchers have developed two antiviral drugs that they believe combat the flu very well. Tamiflu which comes in a pill form and Peramivir which is given intravenously have given promising results when used with patients suffering with the flu. If your family is having flu symptoms you should contact your primary care doctor’s nurse to discuss your symptoms and how to monitor their care.
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