Fall, or Autumn, officially began this last Sunday, September 22nd. With the changing of the season, also comes the start of flu season. The 83rd Texas Legislature designated October 1st as Influenza Awareness Day. The Brownwood/Brown County Health Department will be observing this day by offering free “flu kits” to the citizens of Brownwood and Brown County. The week of September 30th – October 4th, citizens can stop by the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department (BBCHD) at 510 E. Lee to receive their kit.
The BBCHD will also be hosting a Community-Wide Flu Clinic at the Depot Civic and Cultural Center, 600 E. Depot, on October 8th and 9th. Contact the BBCHD at 325-646-0554 for more information.
The BBCHD offers the following actions to fight the flu:
Take time to get a flu vaccine. A yearly flu vaccine is the most important step in protecting against flu viruses. While there are many different flu viruses, a flu vaccine protects against the three viruses that research suggests will be the most common. Everyone six months of age and older should get the flu vaccine as soon as the current season’s vaccine becomes available. It is especially important for high risk persons to get the vaccine.
Take everyday preventative actions to stop the spread of germs. It is important to avoid close contact with sick people. If a person is experiencing flu-like illness, they should stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to seek medical care or other necessities. It is important to remember that fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine. Persons should cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, and discard the tissue after it is used. One very important step to avoid the spread of germs is to wash hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, and persons should avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. This is an easy way for germs to spread. Also, clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may become contaminated with germs like the flu.
Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. If a person gets the flu, antiviral drugs can treat the illness; however, antiviral drugs can only be prescribed by a physician and cannot be obtained over-the-counter. Antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and shorten the time that a person will be ill. Always follow the instruction the physician gives.
Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.
