Flu season is here, and it is important to stay healthy and the key is  prevention. According to the University of Maryland University Health Center, ways to prevent getting sick and getting the flu are to “try to avoid close contact with sick people. Consider avoiding crowded places during flu season, especially when you are ill.”

      The University of Maryland University Health Center continues to state that it is important to “cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way. clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.”

      University of Maryland University Health Center states to “ While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. If you are sick with flu symptoms, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. 

     “Flu antiviral drugs can make flu illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. For people with higher risk factors for flu, treatment with an antiviral drug can mean the difference between having a milder illness versus a very serious illness that could result in a hospital stay,” says Wilson.

     “Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within two days of getting sick, but starting them later can still be helpful, especially if the sick person has a higher risk factor or is very sick from the flu,” states school nurse, Ms. Melissa Wilson. 

     Wilson continues to state that “if you are at higher risk from the flu and get flu symptoms, call your healthcare provider early so you can be treated with flu antivirals if needed. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking this drug.”

     “It can be difficult to manage the spread of flu within the school due to the high number of people within a small area. We keep track of anyone who has been diagnosed with flu, so we are able to report to the Harford County Health Department if we see a rise in cases within our school,” comments Wilson. 

     “We always encourage sick students in the health suite to wash their hands frequently and stay home if they are ill,” states Wilson.