Thursday, January 10, 2013

Stay Out of Work, School if You Have The Flu


A Note From The Doctor: Stay Out of Work, School if You Have The Flu more info...

9 Jan 2013 18:15 Africa/Lagos

A Note From The Doctor: Stay Out of Work, School if You Have The Flu

U.S. Emergency Rooms Inundated With Flu Patients

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Call in sick! That is the advice from the nation's emergency physicians if you happen to have flu-like symptoms. Doctors suggest it's one of the best ways to help prevent the spread of this year's particularly aggressive national flu outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that at least 40 states are currently dealing with a moderate to serious flu outbreak.

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"Even with flu-like symptoms, many people still try to go to work, school or other activities," said Dr. Andrew Sama, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). "This is only making a bad situation worse, spreading the virus and getting more people sick. Not to mention, you are putting yourself at greater risk of worsening your current health situation such as developing pneumonia." Doctors advise that you rest at home until you start to feel better.

ACEP contacted emergency physicians throughout the country to get an idea of what they are experiencing in their emergency departments. The general consensus is that they are seeing significantly higher numbers of patients with flu symptoms compared to this time in past years. The large increase in patients is adding to an already busy emergency care system and is causing more admitted patients to be boarded in emergency departments because there are not enough inpatient hospital beds to provide for them.

Those at highest risk of flu include the elderly, pregnant women and people with special medical needs. See your doctor or go to the nearest emergency department if you feel you need to go.

Typical symptoms include fever, sore throat, runny nose and upper respiratory symptoms, headache, fatigue, and muscle or body aches. To get over it quickly, doctors advise that you drink plenty of liquids, get rest, and if diagnosed early take antiviral medication.

Adults should seek emergency care if they are experiencing any of these symptoms:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms that improve, but then return with fever and increased cough

Specifically for children:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms that improve, but then return with fever and increased cough
Fever with a rash

In addition to all of the symptoms above, an infant who as any of the following signs should get emergency care:

Irritability/ being inconsolable
Inability to eat or drink
Trouble breathing
No tears when crying
Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal
Persistent fevers



It is not too late to get the flu vaccine if you haven't done so already. Also, it's important to take routine preventative measures like washing your hands regularly, wiping down work stations and covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cough.

"Emergency physicians are very experienced when it comes to dealing with infectious diseases like the flu," said Dr. Sama. "It's important for everyone to step up and help push the flu back. The little things can make a big difference when keeping you and those around you healthy."

To speak with an emergency physician spokesperson about flu, please contact Mike Baldyga at mbaldyga@acep.org or call 202-728-0610, ext. 3005.

For more information on flu or other health-related topics, please go to www.EmergencyCareForYou.org.

ACEP is the national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies.

SOURCE American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)

CONTACT: Mike Baldyga, +1-202-728-0610, ext. 3005, mbaldyga@acep.org

Web Site: http://www.acep.org

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