Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Release Date: January 31, 2011            End Date: February 7,2011

Contact Person: Fatema Mamou, Epidemiologist

Phone: 810-768-7971

RE: Flu activity is increasing. Take steps to protect yourselves.

Flu activity is increasing in Genesee County as well as across the state of Michigan. The number of infants and young children reported to the Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) who have been hospitalized with influenza continues to rise as well as cases of flu-like illnesses among schools and childcare centers. The state of Michigan upgraded flu activity from “local” to “regional” last week due to similar increases statewide.

Now is the time to protect yourself and your family. The GCHD is reminding everyone of simple steps to take to prevent the spread of flu.

·         Get your flu vaccine – the CDC now recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated against the flu each year. It is not too late to get your flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is safe and is the best protection against flu viruses. Data from the CDC are showing a good match between the 2010-2011 flu vaccine and the flu viruses that are causing illness this season.

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water often. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

·         Sneeze into your arm or a tissue, not into your hands.

·         If you’re sick, stay home as much as possible except to get medical care. You should also avoid close contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them, especially those who are at high risk for serious flu complications, including infants and young children, pregnant women, people 65 and older, and people of any age with certain chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease),

·         Take antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

Please visit the GCHD web site at www.gchd.us for more flu resources and information.

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