In the News - September 2009
Common sense, flu shot can keep bugs at bay during flu season
LITTLE ROCK - October 4 is the official start of the 2009-2010 flu season,
according to the federal Centers for Disease Control, but flu viruses seem to be
getting a head start.
During the week of September 6-12, nearly 1,400 samples sent for testing were
positive for flu. Of those, 99.7 percent were Influenza A, with 49.4 percent of
those being H1N1 or swine flu infections, the CDC said.
Though the media's attention has been on swine flu since it was first
reported this spring, CDC is reminding people to get flu shots and practice good
health habits to avoid seasonal flu.
"Remember that you will need two flu shots this season, one for the seasonal
flu and one for the 2009 H1N1 virus," said LaVona Traywick, Ph.D., assistant
professor of gerontology for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
"The seasonal flu shot will not protect against the H1N1 virus and the H1N1
vaccine will not protect you against seasonal flu."
Getting a yearly flu shot in the fall is the best way to avoid seasonal flu,
according to the CDC, which also recommends good hygiene and common sense to
fight both flu virus infections.
First, "cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze,"
said Traywick said. "Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it."
Likewise, making a habit of washing your hands, especially after coughing or
sneezing, can prevent the spread of flu. If it's not possible to wash with soap
and water, hand sanitizers are effective at killing germs and bacteria.
It's important to avoid close contact with sick people, and if you are sick,
staying away from others can keep them healthy. If you've been sick, "the CDC
recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone
except to get medical care or for other necessities," Traywick said.
Many germs enter the body through the eyes, nose and mouth, so keeping your
hands away from your face helps prevent the spread of contagions.
Lastly, "wipe off door handles, light switches, and phones with disinfectant
wipes on a regular basis," Traywick said.
Seasonal flu and swine flu vaccines aren't expected to be available until
mid-October, according to the CDC.
They recommend getting a seasonal flu shot now and the H1N1 vaccination when
it becomes available. For more information about flu and vaccines, visit the CDC
Web site at http://cdc.gov/Features/Flu/.
The Cooperative Extension Service is a part of the University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture and offers its programs to all eligible persons
regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability,
marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
September 25, 2009
By Pryor Jordan
For the U of A Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Elizabeth Fortune
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
efortune@uaex.edu
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