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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday,
January 18, 2007
Contact:
Dr. Diana Yu,
Thurston
County
Health Officer, 360-709-3082
Flu
Season Has Arrived In
Southwest Washington
OLYMPIA
– The Influenza season has arrived. Thurston/Lewis County Health
Officer Dr. Diana Yu says there have been several cases of the illness in
recent weeks. “We have received
a number of reports of lab confirmed influenza in
Olympia
and surrounding areas. The most important message is to take steps to
protect yourself from the flu and to inhibit the spread of the illness if you
have it.” She says those steps
include-
- To keep from catching
influenza - Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, stay at least 3 - 4
feet away from others, especially those who are ill.
- Use and alcohol based hand sanitizers, which are extremely effective
at killing influenza and other viruses on hands.
Use them after touching tables, possibly contaminated surfaces, and
before rubbing your eyes.
- To prevent spreading influenza -
Cover your cough, wash your hands, and stay home when you are sick.
Dr. Yu reminds those who have just gotten a flu shot,
that it takes about 2 weeks to get full immunity.
Norwalk-like viruses have also been in the news
lately. Dr. Yu says this type of
illness causes epidemic vomiting and diarrhea, especially in the winter
months. “It is well known as the cause of ‘cruise ship outbreaks’
but can occur in any setting. These viruses are very small and are
highly contagious.” The best way to prevent a Norwalk-like illness is
to-
·
Wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before
preparing meals.
·
Use alcohol based hand
sanitizers after touching door handles or shopping carts at the grocery store.
·
Not touch ready to eat food with bare hands, unless you are
eating it yourself.
·
Not prepare meals for others if you are sick.
·
Stay home from work if you are vomiting and/or have diarrhea
until at least 48 hours after all symptoms stop.
·
Use a 10% bleach solution to sanitize surfaces that may become
contaminated.
Dr. Yu says a few common sense steps will make it
easier for everyone to avoid getting sick and to limit the spread of illness.
Contact your health care provider if you have questions.
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