Press Releases
Flu Season
By Karen Burns
Oct 25, 2004, 13:57

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Karen Burns 505-769-7816
505-799-2104
Is it a Cold or is it the Flu? There are so many concerns this year about how to tell and what should be done since the flu vaccine is not available. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention would like to remind us that a flu vaccination is the best protection against influenza, but there are alternatives. Antiviral drugs can be used before someone becomes ill to prevent them from getting the flu, if taken within 1-2 days of first flu symptoms.
The New Mexico Department of Health Secretary issued an Order on October 7th announcing New Mexico priority groups for vaccination during the 2004-2005 influenza seasons:
• all children aged 6-23 months,
• adults aged 65 years and older,
• persons aged 2-64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions,
• all women who will be pregnant during influenza season,
• residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities,
• children 6 months-18 years of age on chronic aspirin therapy,
• health-care workers with direct patient care, and
• out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged under 6 months.
Influenza season is unpredictable. In most years, the season peaks between December and March. It is too early to say how severe the 2004-2005 season will be, but to date there have been no confirmed cases in New Mexico.
Everyone can take practical steps to prevent the spread of flu:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze—and dispose of the tissue afterward. If you don’t have a tissue, cover your mouth and nose with your hands. Clean your hands after you cough or sneeze, even if you use a tissue. Use soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• If you get the flu, avoid exposing others. Stay home from work, school, stores, and other public places.
• Avoid crowded places like shopping malls, indoor sporting events, etc.
• Wash your hands and your children’s hands frequently, especially after contact with other people.
• Maintain healthy behaviors: get plenty of sleep, eat a well-balanced diet, reduce stress levels, etc.

For additional information on the flu season you can contact your physician, the local health office or you can utilize information off the CDC webpage at cdc.gov.




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