Flu & Winter Illnesses Here

Flu is circulating statewide and here in our community; however, there are ways people can protect themselves,” said Leon Vinci, Director of Public Health for San Juan Basin Health Department. Several area school districts are seeing higher student absenteeism this week due to flu and other common winter illnesses, according to Bari Wagner, Communicable Disease Nurse for San Juan Basin Health Department. "We typically see a rise in students missing days of school this time of year due various illnesses, including flu, but also strep, common colds and stomach bugs," said Wagner.

"Fortunately, the same basic health precautions that help prevent the flu are also those that assist in preventing other illnesses commonly spread person to person,” said Vinci.  "Especially in winter when we're all in close quarters, public health recommends these precautionary actions for students and all community members: wash your hands frequently; keep your hands away from your face; cover your sneezes and coughs with your sleeve (not your hand); avoid others with respiratory illnesses; and stay home if you’re ill – especially if you have a fever over 100 degrees; and stay home 24 hours until the fever has left." These steps help in protecting the individual from getting sick as well as helping to stop the spread of disease.

“Getting a flu vaccination is still the best defense against the disease,” advised Vinci. The predominant flu strains among individuals tested this season have been those found in this year’s seasonal flu vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Individuals who want to get vaccinated against the flu can call San Juan Basin Health Department to schedule an appointment at 247-5702 or call your physician or pharmacy.

More information about flu prevention can be obtained at www.flu.gov.

February 3, 2011 Media Release

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