Local health offi­cials encour­age vac­ci­na­tion, hygiene dur­ing flu season

JACKSONVILLE, NC -- Officials from Onslow Memorial Hospital and Onslow County Health Department urge citizens to protect themselves and others from the flu, which has caused at least 20 deaths in North Carolina this flu season.

Vaccination and stopping the spread of germs are the first line of defense, according to health officials.

“Getting a flu shot is one of the best steps you can take to protect you and your family from the flu,” says Angela Lee, director of the Onslow County Health Department.

“Each person, 6 months or older, can receive the vaccine. It is not too late to get one as we move into our traditional peak season. The health department also offers the high dose flu shot for those who are 65 and older," Lee says.

Onslow Memorial’s Infection Prevention Nurse Manager Gloria Powers says that washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water or using hand sanitizer – especially after coughing or sneezing – reduces the spread of germs.

“It’s important to cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the crook of your arm (not your hands), and before and after touching your face, nose and mouth,” Powers says.

“If you become sick with flu-like illness, you should remain at home except to get medical care or other necessities. If you must go out, wearing a mask can protect others and prevent your spreading of the flu. Also, if you have symptoms of flu, contact your provider about antiviral medications because they work best when started soon after symptoms begin,” Powers says.

A busy flu season and other winter illnesses are increasing emergency department visits as well as hospitalizations, according to Amy Sousa, senior vice president of public relations for the hospital. “We strongly encourage people to get advice from a healthcare professional before visiting the emergency department. A provider can help determine if there are signs of a medical emergency.”

Anyone with flu-like symptoms should seek care with their primary care provider or urgent care office. Health officials also suggest that smart phone owners consider using a variety of telehealth services now available.

“Many insurance providers now have 24/7 toll-free numbers and apps that consumers can use to access nurses and providers,” Sousa says.

Flu symptoms include headache, muscle aches, cough, fever, sore throat, and/or runny or stuffy nose.

WHEN TO GO TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

CDC offers guidelines for when to go to the emergency department. They are:

In 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 improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In adults

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