Dennis Health Department It s That Time Of Year Again! Protect Yourself From Colds, Flu, and Other Illnesses October 5, 2010 Developed by Terence M. Hayes, Health Director
Let s Talk About: 1. 1. The Common Cold 2. 2. Seasonal Flu 3. 3. Stomach Flu 4. 4. MRSA 5. 5. How Do I I Protect Myself October 5, 2010 2
The Common Cold Caused by over 200 different viruses Symptoms can last for up to a week October 5, 2010 3
The Common Cold Symptoms usually include: Sneezing Stuffy or runny nose Sore throat Coughing Watery eyes Mild headache Mild body aches. October 5, 2010 4
Seasonal Flu Caused by the influenza virus Three main types of influenza (flu) virus: A, B, and C. Human Influenza A and B cause seasonal flu; C only causes a mild respiratory disease Symptoms may last for up to 2 weeks October 5, 2010 5
Seasonal Flu Symptoms usually include: Fever/chills Cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Muscle or body aches Headaches Fatigue (tiredness) October 5, 2010 6
Stomach Flu Viral gastroenteritis Not caused by the flu virus Caused by many different viruses, notably: Norovirus Rotovirus Symptoms may last up to 2 days October 5, 2010 7
Stomach Flu Symptoms usually include: Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Abdominal cramps Low-grade fever/chills Headache Muscle aches Fatigue October 5, 2010 8
But How Do I Know? If you experience: A temperature higher than 100.4 F Symptoms lasting more than 10 days, or Your symptoms are not relieved by over-thecounter medicines See your Health Care Provider The following table may be useful October 5, 2010 9
But How Do I Know? Symptom Common Cold Seasonal Flu Stomach Flu Fever/Chills Rare Usual Common Headache Rare Usual Common Malaise Mild Severe Moderate Muscle Aches Mild Severe Mild Extreme Fatigue Rare Usual Common Nasal Congestion Usual Common None Sneezing Usual Rare None Sore Throat Common Common None Cough Mild Mod - Severe None Vomiting Rare Rare Usual Diarrhea Rare Rare Usual October 5, 2010 10
MRSA Staphylococcus aureus are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people 25 to 30% of people have Staphylococcus aureus MRSA is Methicillin- Resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA is resistant to most commonly used antibiotics About 1% of people have MRSA October 5, 2010 11
MRSA May appear as pustules or boils which may be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage Often first look like spider bites or bumps Commonly occur at: Cuts and abrasions, and Areas of the body covered by hair (e.g., back of neck, groin, buttock, armpit, beard area of men). October 5, 2010 12
MRSA The key to preventing MRSA is good hygiene Keep your hands clean; wash thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed. October 5, 2010 13
MRSA Again, the key to preventing MRSA is good hygiene Avoid contact with other people s wounds or bandages. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors. October 5, 2010 14
How Do I Protect Myself? To prevent the spread of common colds and seasonal flu: Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette Practice good hygiene with proper hand washing techniques Wash your hands frequently If you are sick, STAY HOME October 5, 2010 15
How Do I Protect Myself? To prevent the spread of stomach flu: Frequently wash your hands, especially: After toilet visits After changing diapers Before eating or preparing food. Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eating them October 5, 2010 16
Cough & Sneeze Etiquette To help stop the spread of germs, Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. If you don t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands. October 5, 2010 17
Proper Hand Washing Wet your hands with clean, warm running water and apply soap. Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces for 20 seconds Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice. Rinse hands well under running water. Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet. October 5, 2010 18
For Further Information, Visit: Centers For Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov Mass Department of Public Health: www.mass.gov/dph October 5, 2010 19