Fighting the Flu

As the leaves turn their final shades of yellow, orange and maroon, we are all reminded of the fight that is right around the corner. Flu season is here, and it is time for a reminder on what to do to prevent it.

Influenza, which is commonly mistaken with the “stomach flu” or the “common cold”, is caused by a virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death. Symptoms come on quickly in the form of fever, cough, sore throat, headache, extreme tiredness, stuffed-up nose, and body aches.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) suggests that everyone 6 months of age and older should get flu vaccine this year, even if you got the flu vaccine last year. For those who are thinking about not receiving the vaccine, because the flu is, “not that bad”, the MDH suggests to get it so you won’t pass it to people who risk getting very sick -- like babies, pregnant women, elderly people, and people who have chronic diseases.

The MDH website (http://www.health.state.mn.us/) currently has a link on their front page that will allow you to type in your zip code and find every vaccine clinic within your neighborhood. Simply click on the “Flu Shots” link, type your zip code into the “Vaccine Finder” and you are set. The website can also locate clinics with free vaccines for uninsured and underinsured adults and children.

Beyond the vaccine, MDH also suggested the following points to help protect your co-workers (this advise could also apply to school) from getting the flu:

·Do not go to work if you have a fever, cough or sore throat.

·Clean your hands often during the day.

·Always cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve. Discard used tissue in wastebasket.

·Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing.

 For teachers trying to fight the flu from taking over their classroom, the MDH website provides printable posters and bookmarks. The colorful documents serve as a reminder for students to cover their cough, wash their hands, stay home when sick and get vaccinated. The “Fight the Flu” documents are also available in 18 languages.

Finally, those most at risk for getting very sick from the flu are people age 65 and older, young children (especially those under two), pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. Please take a minute to think about the people you know that are at risk of getting very sick and remind them to get the vaccine or offer you help if they need it.

 As always, please contact me with questions or suggestions regarding any issue. I encourage you to visit me at the Capitol, or let me know if you’d like me to stop by your home or apartment.  Also, please tune in to my local cable TV show, “Your Capitol: What’s Up?,” which appears on public access channels 15 and 16. I can be reached by email at sen.chuck.wiger@senate.mn and by phone at 651-296-6820.