Wishing you a prosperous new year

By By Patty Swearingen / MSU extension service county director
Dec. 28, 2003
A new year seems to offer each of us a new start. I hope that each of you will have a prosperous new year and a healthy one. There is a bug going around that seems to be hitting every age the flu.
I have been in the doctor offices quite frequently this past week with my own children and my mother and this is when I realize it is a major problem. Hopefully, the following information will help you to start off the new year healthy
Flu vaccines may be in short supply, but other preventive measures can protect people from this season's colds and flu.
While Mississippi's flu numbers remain moderate, the bordering states of Tennessee and Arkansas are among the nation's 13 states reporting widespread cases of influenza by December, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. Health officials agree that the worst of the flu season is yet to come.
In light of an increased number of early-season flu deaths and reports of vaccine shortages, it is recommended individuals in the at-risk category attempt to find flu vaccines as soon as possible.
At-risk individuals who should have the vaccination include people over age 50, people with chronic conditions, babies between 6 and 23 months, health care workers and others frequently in contact with those high-risk groups.
Influenza is an acute respiratory infection, and its symptoms usually include fever, aches, chills, weakness, loss of appetite, and aching of the head, back, arms and legs. In addition, a sore throat and dry cough, nausea and burning eyes may accompany the virus.
Cold and flu symptoms are very similar. However, colds typically begin slowly with a sore, scratchy throat, sneezing and a runny nose. Young children may get a fever of up to 102 degrees. Adults and older children may have a mild or no fever. The flu usually begins with a sudden headache, muscle aches, severe fatigue and a fever of up to 104 degrees.
People should follow good basic health practices to prevent illnesses such as colds and flu.
Eating a well-balanced diet and getting plenty of rest and exercise are all good ways to enhance the body's ability to fight off germs. Wash hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth where germs frequently enter the body.
You cannot judge the health of people around you or even their own condition. Adults typically are infectious from the day before symptoms begin to about five days after the illness begins. Children can be infectious for 10 or more days, and young children can pass the virus for up to six days before their illness begins.
Do not share personal items such as drinking glasses, food utensils, cosmetics, combs and brushes, or medical equipment. It's impossible to avoid germs, but good health practices and cleaning practices will help significantly.
Rest and drinking lots of water are important for recovering from a cold or flu. People in the at-risk groups may want to consult their doctor for medicines that may reduce the symptoms. Treatment as soon as symptoms occur is important.
There are several antiviral medications on the market that may shorten the duration of the illness if patients begin taking them within 48 hours of their first symptoms. These medications do not actually cure the disease. Consult physicians as soon as flu symptoms are felt.
Remember to take care of yourself, so you will start the new year off healthy. If you need more information, please call the Extension office at 482-9764.