The flu is hitting Georgia hard.  St. Mary’s Health Care System and Athens Regional Medical Center have seen a dramatic increase in people with flu-like symptoms. The two healthcare systems are urging area residents to protect themselves, their families and the community as a whole by taking these simple steps:

• Get a flu shot. If you haven’t received a flu shot, it is not too late. An annual flu shot provides the best level of protection available, and can reduce the severity of illness if you do get the flu. Flu viruses are constantly evolving, so a new shot is necessary every year.

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• Wash or sanitize your hands often. To minimize your exposure to flu viruses, wash your hands after using the bathroom, before and after eating, or anytime your hands may be contaminated. If washing isn’t possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 

• Cover your coughs and sneezes. You can limit the spread of the flu by coughing or sneezing into the inside of your elbow or a tissue. If you use a tissue, throw it away and immediately wash or sanitize your hands. Don’t use a handkerchief, which contaminates your pocket and hands every time you use it. 

• Take precautions all the time. Adults may start spreading flu viruses a day before symptoms start and up to seven days after becoming sick, and children may be contagious even longer. To protect yourself and others, make flu precautions a habit.

• Know the symptoms of flu. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and/or body aches, chills and fatigue. Some people, especially children, may also experience nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Flu and cold symptoms are similar, but the flu is usually more severe. Not everyone will have all symptoms.

• If you feel sick, stay home. If you go to work, school, church or other public places when you are sick, you can spread germs to other people.

• Call your doctor if symptoms appear. While not normally serious, the flu can be dangerous in some cases. Contact your doctor when symptoms first appear. If symptoms become severe (difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, dizziness, confusion, seizures, high fever, or severe/persistent vomiting), seek emergency care.

• If you are sick, don’t visit people in the hospital. If you have symptoms of the flu or any other infectious illness, it is very important that you not visit patients at the hospital. Many hospital patients have weakened immune systems, which puts them at risk of serious illness if they catch the flu from you. Come to the hospital only if you need care. 

For more information about the flu, visit www.flu.gov or talk to your primary care physician.