• Nurse Bolt’s Notes for our MacArthur Community                                             01/08/2020

                                                                                                                      

    Influenza is defined when fever is over 100°F AND cough and/or sore throat (in the absence of a known cause other than influenza).  

    Influenza usually comes on suddenly, one to four days after the virus enters the body, and may include these symptoms:

    • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
    • Cough
    • Sore throat
    • Runny or stuffy nose
    • Headache
    • Muscle or body aches
    • Tiredness (can be extreme)

      As reported by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) - the initial presenting measurable factor is a body temperature over 100.0 and cough and/or sore throat. The only diagnostic test for Influenza Viruses are throat swabs and/ or blood draws.  

      Basic- non-medical interventions to prevent flu contact are proper hand washing, covering your cough and teaching others to do the same. Maintaining proper homeostasis (keeping yourself in good health) - starts with proper nutrition, adequate rest, some level of exercise daily and allowing your body the sleep it needs to regenerate healthy cell growth.

      Primary medical intervention to prevent the spread of any flu types is the vaccine, which is still available to the public. You can contact your insurance company for guidance on appropriate facilities to patronize for the vaccine. Please be aware- the CDC does advise that it is still possible to take the Flu Vaccine for illness prevention as the season often extends into April. Studies have shown that even those who take the vaccination and still catch the flu have a shorter duration of illness with decreased severity.

      Secondary treatment will include antivirals with early treatment (within the first four days of onset of fever over 100.00) from a licensed prescriber of medication.

      It is easy to track the Flu and other illnesses by reviewing the On-line site CDC.Org and then selecting information specific to El Paso County or any other counties or states you may be interested in.  

      This information is a concise gathering of facts taken from the CDC web site and in no way is it meant to be an alternative for seeking medical care should you feel you need to do so.

      Have a Safe and Healthy New Year.
      Nurse Bolt