Dear Editor

Dear Editor,

This letter comes in response to Influenza activity that is NOW wide spread in New York State.  Franklin County is no exception.

Getting the flu means feeling achy and feverish for a week or so and while for some, this is unpleasant, for others the flu can be more serious and even deadly.

Each year an average of 36,000 people die and 200,000 are hospitalized due to the flu or flu complications such as pneumonia.

There are three things that the community can do to prevent the spread of infection.  The first is to get your flu shot if you haven’t had a chance.

The second is to take every day precautions to prevent the spread of infection by covering your nose and mouth with a tissue if you need to sneeze or cough.  Wash your hands with soap and water often.  Avoid rubbing your eyes, nose or mouth since germs are spread easily this way.  Stay home if you are sick with flu like symptoms that include high fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches.  Don’t share food or drinks with others.

If you do have flu like symptoms, contact your physician in the first 24-48 hours of flu like symptoms such as fever and cough to discuss the possibility of taking influenza antiviral drugs.  The two that are recommended for the 2007-2008 flu season are oseltamivir and zanamivir.

So, this flu season, take these simple steps to do your part to protect yourself and others from the flu.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Franklin County Public Health at 481-1709.