Avoid The Holiday Flu

Large family gatherings to give thanks and share meals sometimes lead to sharing germs. Jennifer Long, a nurse and epidemiologist with the Marion County Public Health Department, says avoid exposing others if you’re under the weather.

“Really the best thing you can do is stay away from others. If you know you’re sick, whether it’s a cold virus or just some sort of the bacterial illness – the best thing you can do is stay away.”

Long says if you can’t do that – make sure you cover your cough and take other precautions.

“Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. You can clean off surfaces with Clorox wipes and things like that that help stop the spread of germs.”

The communicable disease tracker says it’s usually just after the holidays that the health department begins to log cases of influenza. Long says some people are more at-risk than others.

“People with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart or lung disease. People over the age of 65, pregnant women and kids under the age of 5 or so – you know they’re more susceptible to getting sicker from viruses – especially things like influenza.”

The epidemiologist says it’s not too late to get a flu shot. She notes the health department has them for $15. Find out where by calling 221-2121.