Archive for Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Five questions: Flu still around
Influenza now ‘widespread’ in Kansas
Warmer temperatures and the near arrival of spring doesn’t mean the flu season is behind us. The Kansas Department of Health and environment warned last week that influenza was more prevalent in the state than it has been this season.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment in a press release last week warned influenza is now at its highest level in the state this season and reminded residents vaccines were still available.
Q: What are the symptoms of flu and influenza?
A: Symptoms include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough and muscle aches. Complications can include pneumonia, ear and sinus infections, and dehydration; influenza may make other chronic conditions worse.
Q: There hasn’t been as much media focus on flu and influenza this year. Has it been a calm year?
A: Though influenza activity has remained lower than usual in Kansas this season, activity has been steadily increasing over the last several weeks, with the latest weekly influenza surveillance report showing Kansas with “widespread” flu-like illness.
Q: What does “widespread” mean?
A: For the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify a state as “widespread,” the outbreaks of influenza or increases in influenza-like illness cases and recent laboratory-confirmed influenza are in at least half the regions of the state, with recent laboratory evidence of influenza in that state.
Q: It’s March and spring starts next week. Is the flu season over?
A: Influenza will continue to circulate through spring, so there is still time for people to get a flu vaccination to protect themselves, their families and the community.
Q: Why should I get a flu shot?
A: The seasonal influenza types we’ve seen in Kansas are covered by the current vaccine. All persons six months and older are recommended to receive an annual influenza vaccine. This is especially important for anyone at high risk of complications or who is caring for, or in regular contact with, an infant less than 6 months of age. Babies this age are too young to be vaccinated and are more vulnerable to the complications from influenza disease.
Advertisement
Point of View
What’s the best way to spend a snow day?
Shovel your driveway and paths, check neighbors’ driveways and then grab all your closest little ones and find the biggest sledding hill. Snowmen also are a must. Snow days are a great time to catch up on missed shows and much-needed rest. I love snowdays, they haven’t changed one bit even as an adult, although I am sure not all working adults can say that, but I am happy I can. I was excited to see the snowmen and other snow sculptures throughout the Lawrence and Kansas City metro areas.
Comments
wxc721 1 year, 1 month ago
The coolest UK fashion brands Pauls Boutique bag was creat in 2002. Over the ten year, the Paul’s Boutique UK bag are proving to be extremely popular both at home and abroad. In the handbags collection, Paul's Boutique use three separate categories to describe the different types of bags available. So you can easy to find one Pauls Boutique bag that matches your own style. Welcome to our paul's boutique bag shop online . There are fashion style of Molly , Maisy Large , Olivia , Sacha , Holly bags you can choose.All of the bag are free shipping and no sale tax. http://www.paulsboutiquebag.net/
Commenting has been disabled for this item.