Yes, it's that time of year again. Flu season is upon us. According to Florida Today, my local newspaper, this year's strain is hitting and hitting hard.
We've all heard the news that there are over 700 confirmed cases in Boston. Well, I don't live in Boston, but in my little corner of Florida, one doctor reports seeing six possible flu cases a day. Six!
How do you know you have the flu? Symptoms include high fever, aches and fatigue. Two of my critique partners caught it. They both whisper that this year's flu strain can lay you flat for more than a week. But the little bugs don't stop there. They keep on giving, weakening the immune system until you fall prey to secondary infections, like bronchitis or other complications.
It's enough to make you want to hole up in the house until spring time! Unfortunately, we do occasionally need to venture out, if only to buy more cough syrup and nose tissue.
So, what's a person to do?
According to the newspaper, the second best defense against the flu is to practice good "hand hygiene." What's that, you ask? Well, use hand sanitizers; they really help. And cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze (and hope everyone else does the same.) If you feel sick, stay home!
Okay, that's the second best defense. But what's the best defense?
A flu shot. Get one before it's too late and you wake up one morning feverish and achy.
So far, I've avoided catching the flu. Instead, my g'kids shared their usual mishmash of cold and cough germs with me over the holidays. As soon as I recover from that, I'm going to get a flu shot.
I just hope it's before I see them again next month.
