Influenza is affecting many people in our community. It’s still not too late to get vaccinated to protect you from getting the flu, or spreading the flu to your family.
The media says that the vaccine is not as good this season, but you will be many times better positioned to fight off the flu if YOU get VACCINATED.
Vaccinated individuals who come down with the flu may not have as serious a course of flu and less likely need to be hospitalized. You will always be better off if you get vaccinated.
Current Influenza Surveillance:
Percentage of Visits for Influenza-like Illness (ILI) Reported by ILINet Sites, Kansas, October 2017-September 2018 and the Previous Two Surveillance Periods*
*ILINet sites may vary in number and type (student health, family practice, etc.) each season. Data from the previous two surveillance years are plotted according to week number corresponding to the 2017-2018 week ending date; for example, week 40 ended October 7, 2017, week 40 of 2016 ended October 8, 2016, and week 40 of 2015 ended October 10, 2015.
The above graph reflects data points regarding the percentage of visits for Influenza-like Illness. The red line indicates reported cases for the current reporting year. This year’s statistics are showing that Influenza-like Illness is still on the rise and not peaked yet. (http://www.kdheks.gov/flu/surveillance.htm)
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Health Center still has vaccine available for all ages. Please get vaccinated.
Thank you,
The PBP Healthcare Providers
In addition to getting the flu vaccine, you can take these everyday preventive actions to stop the spreading of germs:
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• If sick, with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Fevers should be gone for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medicine.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.