Public health officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid contracting flu and to prevent its spread.
Symptoms include sudden fever (100.4° F or more); headache; tiredness, sometimes extreme; dry cough; sore throat; nasal congestion; and body aches. Anyone with these symptoms should contact their health care provider right away.
Adults can spread virus from one day before developing systems to up to seven days after getting sick. Young children can spread the virus for longer than seven days.
People inhale the virus from particles in the air when around those who have flu and who have been talking, coughing or sneezing. People also can become infected when they touch those who are ill (such as by kissing or handshaking), or come in contact with objects on which viruses have landed (such as telephones, doorknobs, dishes, handrails), and then touch their nose, mouth or eyes.
It is especially easy for virus to spread where there are crowds or where people live, work or study close together.
Flu is contagious, but steps can be taken to prevent getting it. Health officials advise people to:
• Get into the habit of washing your hands before meals and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 10 seconds to 15 seconds. Rinse and dry you hands with a clean, dry towel.
• Wash your hands often, especially after being in contact with someone who is sick, or with children who get viruses easily and are the main spreaders of viruses.
• Wash your hands after wiping a child’s nose.
• Use alcohol-based sanitizer for washing hands, especially if you do not have easy access to soap and water. Follow package directions.
• Avoid shaking hands.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes or touching your nose or mouth. These habits can bring viruses into your body.
• Do no share dishes or drinks.
• Do not visit anyone who has the flu unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
• If a member of your family has the flu, keep things such as towels separate from the rest of the family.
• Avoid large public gatherings.
• Take good care of yourself physically and emotionally.
• Avoid smoking.
• Drink plenty of water to help keep your throat moist and to cleanse your body of waste.
The public should call the centers for Disease Control and Prevention toll-free, 24-hour emergency hotline at 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) or 888-232-6348 (TTY) for emergency response information. More information can be found on the Texas Department of State Health Services Web site, www.TexasFlu.org; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site, www.cdc.gov/swineflu ; or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Web site, www.pandemicflu.gov.