According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, influenza activity in the United States is at low to normal levels. This information lags behind by about 2.5 weeks (for the week ending Nov. 26, 2016).
The Health and Employee Wellness (HEW) Clinic has seen a definite increase in severe upper respiratory illnesses (URIs) consistent with influenza resulting in complications of pneumonia and sinusitis. The symptoms we are seeing are worse than what we typically see with the common cold. We also know that some of the employees getting ill have had the flu vaccination, so there is a chance, similar to last year, that the flu vaccination may not be covering the current strain of influenza that is circulating or that we are dealing with a different virus altogether.
Keep in mind URIs (cold, flu and other upper respiratory viruses) are contagious, so if you are not feeling well and have a fever and significant sneezing or respiratory fluid production that increases the chance of spreading the infection, please stay home. Influenza can result in complications, so it is important to give yourself enough recovery time.
Prevention tips for influenza and the common cold
Viruses that cause the flu and colds can spread from infected people to others through the air, respiratory secretions and close personal contact with an infected person. Some practices that are effective in decreasing the risk of getting sick or spreading illness are:
- Make sure you are eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep and exercise and moderating your stress.
- Get the influenza vaccination each year.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs (shared computer keyboards, workstations and shopping cart handles).
What to do if you have the common cold
- There is no cure for a cold. To feel better, you should get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids.
- Over-the-counter medicines may help ease symptoms but will not make your cold go away any faster. Always read the label and use medications as directed.
- Antibiotics will not help you recover from a cold. They do not work against viruses, and they may make it harder for your body to fight future bacterial infections if you take them unnecessarily.
What to do if you get influenza
- Take antiviral drugs (within 48 hours of symptom onset) if you are at high risk for complications (elderly, chronic health conditions, pregnant or other immunosuppressed status) or as prescribed by a doctor.
- Drink plenty of fluids and get rest.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- If you are sick with a flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 to 48 hours after your fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medicine) except to get medical care or for other necessities.
- Continue to be sure to get additional rest for a week or two after your illness to prevent the likelihood of complications
- Please stay home until you feel better!
If you become ill at work, you can come to the HEW clinic for an acute care visit. We will base our diagnosis on clinical symptoms and advise accordingly. Be aware that HEW does not provide testing for influenza. Do not come into work to visit the HEW Clinic for assessment if you know are ill. Stay home.
Resources
By Ellen Connolly, Occupational Health Nurse (HEW)