The following article: Be Red Cross Ready-Flu Checklist is adopted from “Apheresis Heroes” the newsletter of the American Red Cross in the Massachusetts Region, winter 2009 issue.
Over the years we have enjoyed supporting the American Red Cross and their mission to help people in need. We also make every effort to visit our local blood donation center northof Boston to do our part for injured and ill patients. The Red Cross States: “The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give Blood”…..truer words were never spoken!
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Flu Checklist
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by different strains of viruses. In the US, there is a flu season that begins every fall and ends every spring. The type of flu people get during this season is called seasonal flu. Flu viruses spread from person to person when people who are infected cough or sneeze. Adults may be able to infect others 1 day before getting symptoms and as long as 5 days after getting sick.
How to avoid getting sick. A flu vaccine is available in the US every year. Get your flu shot as soon as it is available for the best chance of protection. In addition, practice good health habits to maintain your body’s resistance to infection.
- Eat a balanced diet
- Drink plenty of fluids
- exercise daily
- Manage stress
- Get enough rest and sleep
Also try taking these common sense steps to stop the spread of germs:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid or minimize contact with sick people
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Cover your mouth and nose with tissues when you cough and sneeze.
- Stay away from others as much as possible when you are sick.
- Adopt business/school practices that encourage employees/students to stay home when sick.
- Get a flu shot every year. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to minimize illness and death.
Stay tuned for more information on what to do if you have the flu and procedures for dealing with someone who is sick……
Following is some useful definitions that may be helpful:
- Seasonal Flu-A contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses occurring every year. It affects an average of 5 percent to 20 percent of the US population by causing mild to severe illness, and in some instances can lead to death.
- Epidemic-The rapid spread of a disease that affects some or many people in a community or region at the same time.
- Pandemic-An outbreak of a disease that affects large numbers of people throughout the world and spreads rapidly.
- H1N1 Influenza (swine flu)-H1N1 influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that cause regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get H1N1 influenza, but human infections can and do happen. H1N1 influenza viruses have been reported to spread from person to person.
- Avian Influenza-Commonly known as bird flu, this strain on flu virus is naturally occurring in birds. Wild birds can carry the virus and may not get sick from it; however, domestic birds may become infected by the virus and often die from it.
Visit www.redcrossblood.org to learn how you can help!
Interested in donating blood North of Boston? Call us at 781-995-0683 and we’ll all donate together….Regal Fabric Care
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