The 2009 – 2010 Flu Season – Tips that can Help

It is that time of the year again, when influenza strikes thousands of people. The term “Flu”, a contagious respiratory illness, is caused by influenza viruses.
It spreads from person-to-person and can cause mild to severe illness, and in some cases it can lead to death. Deaths generally result from complications such as pneumonia, ear or sinus infections and the worsening of existing chronic medical conditions.

Presently there are two strains of flu, seasonal flu and the H1N1 (Swine) flu, that are circulating here in the USA. The seasonal flu usually starts during the fall and continues through early spring. This is the flu that we are all familiar with, however the H1N1 is a new strain that we have not seen before. The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to seasonal flu, but are more severe and may include additional symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Who is at Risk?
Everyone is at risk of contracting the flu virus, both the seasonal and the N1H1 virus.
Most healthy people recover from the flu without problems, but certain people are at a high risk than others for serious complications.
Those at higher risk and therefore need to be more cautious include:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age.
• Emergency medical personnel and Health care workers.
• Those 65 and older.
• Anyone between 6 months and 24 years old.
• People 25 through 64 who have a chronic health disorder or reduced immune systems.

How does the Flu spread from person to person?

The H1N1 virus is spread from person-to-person in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread; by contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person.

• This can occur by direct bodily contact or touching something with virus on it (shaking hands with a person who has the flu) and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
• Respiratory droplets are generated by a person coughing or sneezing near you coming into contact with your mouth, nose or eyes, as in an elevator or other enclosed area.

How do I protect myself?

First of all everyone should get vaccinated against both the Seasonal and H1N1. The Flu shot is the easy, effective and inexpensive way to protect yourself and your family from catching the flu virus. Recommended personal protective measures include:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away immediately in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze or have been in public places.  Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Have and use a personal flu kit when there is a risk of exposure to respiratory droplets from an infected person and when travelling.
• If you are sick, avoid public interaction as much as possible until 24 hours after signs and symptoms have ended without fever-reducing medications.
• Stop smoking to help prevent severe, life-threatening complications from the flu. Use your Zippo Lighter to start a Zippo Lighter Collection, not to light that cigarette.
• If weather permits, open windows to keep rooms well ventilated and air fresh.

Can I improve my Immune System?

There are a number of ways to improve the efficiency of your immune system. These include:

• Eating well.  A diet rich in vegetables and containing items known for their immune system benefits (mushrooms, broccoli and probiotics) can go a long way in helping you protect yourself. As foods rich in Vitamin D are rare, it is a good idea to take 1,000 UI of Vitamin D (400 UI for children) per day.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Stop drinking Coffee and reduce refined white sugar from your diet to boost your immune system. Caffeine robs your body of minerals and vitamins.
• Get sufficient Sleep. Many studies have shown that a lack of sleep hurts immunity to some illnesses.
• Be active every day. Active people are generally less affected by the flu than those that are sedentary.
• Staying clean. Regular hand washing and the disinfecting of objects touched regularly (phones, computer keyboards, door handles etc.) remains the best first line of defence against contracting infections.

Is there an end in sight?

While it is difficult to predict how the H1N1 flu will pan out, it now appears that the virus is coming in waves. Keep in mind, seasonal flu typically arrives in November and peaks in January-February. Therefore, it is still going to be important to take precautions into the spring.

Remember, the H1N1 vaccination remains the best way of protecting yourself against this influenza virus.

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Summer Safety 2009

With vacation time at hand and more activities taking place, a well-stocked first-aid kit, kept within easy reach, is a necessity in every home. Having supplies gathered ahead of time will help you handle an emergency at a moment’s notice. Make sure that you and your family are prepared to treat the most common injuries, and emergencies that will take place over the summer.

This is also the beginning of the storm season. After a quiet start to 2009 Hurricane season, three storms have started in just 30 hours.
You and your family’s safety depend to a large extent on what you do now, before there is a storm on your horizon. Planning and preparation are the two most powerful survival tools at your disposal, and it is simply unwise not to make full use of them. To this end, be sure to have a comprehensive first aid / emergency kit close by.

A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment necessary to provide immediate care to an injured or ill person before treatment by medically trained personnel. The kit will be made up of different contents depending on the place where the kit will be used and the number of persons it needs to protect. Will it just be your family at the cottage, or will there be extra guests?

It is recommended that your first aid kit be assembled in a clean, waterproof container to keep the contents safe and aseptic. Most kits come in durable plastic boxes, fabric pouches or in wall mounted cabinets. The type of container will vary depending on where they will be used and will range in size from pocket sized through to large backpacks. A wall mounted first aid cabinet would be perfect at home or cottage, but a fabric bag would be better suited in your vehicle.

First aid kits available through your local stores are generally intended for treatment of very minor injuries only. Typical contents include adhesive bandages, gauze and a disinfectant. Specialized first aid kits are available for various locations and activities, and will focus on specific risks related to that activity.
For example, first aid kits designed for use in a boat will contain seasickness remedies. Kits designed for industrial applications will contain burn medication and a suitable infection barrier for performing artificial respiration. They will also have larger quantities of supplies to treat multiple victims.

Trauma injuries, such as bleeding from cuts and scrapes, bone fractures or burns, are usually the main focus of most first aid kits designed for the home; however these kits are also practical for use while traveling, at the cottage or during a disaster related evacuation. These kits will include:

Adhesive bandages
Adhesive tape
Sterile Dressings (applied directly to wound)
Sterile eye pads
Sterile gauze pads
Antiseptic wipes or sprays
Sterile non-adherent pads, containing a non-stick Teflon layer
Triple antibiotics
Bandages (non-sterile for securing dressings)
Gauze roller bandages
Elastic bandages (used for sprains)
Triangular bandages (used as slings, tourniquets and to tie splints)
Blood stoppers, to promote clotting for severe bleeding.
Butterfly closure strips (to close wounds)
CPR mouth piece
Splints, to stabilize broken bones
Burn dressing (sterile pad, soaked in a cooling gel)
Gloves (disposable)
Trauma shears, for cutting clothing and general use
Tweezers
Alcohol pads (sterilizing equipment)
Flashlight
Instant-acting chemical cold packs
Alcohol rubs or antiseptic hand wipes (hand sanitizer)
Thermometer
Emergency blanket
First Aid Booklet (Read the entire booklet so you’ll understand how to use the contents of your kit)

It is an excellent idea to include Aspirin, primarily used for central medical chest pain, as an anti-coagulant and Acetaminophen for pain relief.
Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as Ibuprofen can also be used in the case of a strained joint.
Don’t forget extra prescription medications if you are going away for your vacation.

Remember to check the contents of all of your kits regularly and replace the items that have been used before you need them again.

While there is no way to predict when and where an injury or natural disaster may occur, being prepared with the proper first aid and emergency gear will give you and your family a much better chance of getting through the difficult times.

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