Indiana has been trying to dig out of the snow and ice for days now, but we are also trying to find our way through a particularly rough flu season.
The Indiana State Department of Health reports 25 influenza-associated deaths already. We’re dealing with a predominant strain that is generally more severe than others, so GCGH, like a lot of other hospitals, has put a visitor restriction in place to help keep infections under control.
If you’re not feeling well, and wondering, “do I have the flu?!?” it might be a good idea to check out the information available from the CDC. There are differences between flu symptoms and cold symptoms. Check it out here.
But there’s more we can do. Steering clear of communicable diseases is easy to do if you remember the “Three Cs.”
We all know what “C” stands for…
And you will deserve a cookie if you remember to do these three simple things:
CLEAN: Wash those digits. Keep your hands clean by frequently washing with warm, soapy water. (Hum Yankee Doodle or the ABC song as you wash to get the job done…and make Cookie Monster proud.)
COVER: Keep that cough or sneeze under wraps by aiming for the inside of your arm or a disposable tissue. When in doubt, remember that nursery school rhyme: “If you cough or sneeze, think of others please! Cover your mouth!”
CONTAIN: Stay home! It’s really not you, it’s us…we don’t want to hang out when you are sick. You might be able to work or learn, but if you are contagious, the best thing you can do is stay home and take care of yourself!
This article is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.
