By now you must be well aware of the severe flu outbreak weaving a fevered path of annihilation across the country; scoffing at immune systems and even resulting in deaths.
Physicians from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) warn us that this particular flu strain is distinctly severe.
Credit: science.howstuffworks.com
The proportion of all deaths in the United States last week caused by pneumonia and influenza reached 7.3 percent, above the epidemic threshold of 7.2 percent, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday.
-Source: Reuters
So naturally you’ve had an ear-full of scientific jargon surrounding this flu virus, its corresponding vaccine (H3N2), the shortage of said vaccines and of course, Tamiflu. Not to mention the debate about whether or not stocking up on Tamiflu is even worth it.
Since it is something we at ActiveForever struggle with ourselves, we won’t even touch the discussion about sickies going in to work, loaded to the gills with contagion and all.
Credit: The Press-Enterprise, (PE.com)
So, while we wholeheartedly believe in arming yourself with insight into what has now turned the corner into an all-out epidemic, we decided that what we ultimately wanted to do was remind you of ways in which to stay out of the whole thing altogether.
Germ-laden locations to steer clear of for a while
- Grocery store (Just say ‘NO’ to shopping carts, for now.)
- Playgrounds (Ew.)
- Public restrooms (Hands are still dirty during the initial phase of faucet operation.)
- Offices (You need a day off.)
- Restaurants
- Libraries (Really? Just get it online people.)
- Cruise ships (This one’s easy for those of us who customarily drain their cruise budget on food and shelter.)
- Malls
Source: Lifescript
Ready?? Break! Let’s wash our hands of this nasty ol’ flu bug!
Seriously though, let’s really wash our hands… at home, or with sanitizer. A lot.
And don’t forget… Be on the lookout for these warning signs:
- fever
- cough
- chest pain
- nasal discharge
- headache
- malaise, or a vague feeling of illness
- muscle pain
- shortness of breath
- chills
- excessive sweating
- nausea
- vomiting
- joint pain and stiffness
- sore throat
- nosebleeds
Credit: pbs.org
Here’s to your health!
