Schools throughout Georgia are opening their doors after the holiday break, but the Georgia Department of Health is reminding parents that school is no place for children who are sick. The department is also reminding adults that the workplace is no place for adults who are sick.
Flu season typically runs from October to May and peaks from December to February. That means Georgia residents are now at peak risk for contracting and spreading the flu.
The symptoms of the flu are:
- Fever
- Muscles aches and fatigue
- Headache
- Cough and runny nose
- Sore throat
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)
Flu sufferers should be free of a fever without the use of a fever reducer for at least 24 hours before returning to work or school.
According to the health department, you should also get rest, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and avoid contact with others. You can also use over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory pain relievers to treat symptoms.
The best way to protect yourself from catching the flu is to get your flu vaccination. You can also help protect yourself against the flu by:
- Frequently and thoroughly washing your hands or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer if there is no access to soap and water.
- Covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing to help prevent the spread of the flu.
- Using a tissue or cough or sneeze into the crook of the elbow or arm.
- Avoid touching your face as flu germs can get into the body through mucus membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes.
To receive your flu vaccination call or visit your local health department. For more information on the flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu.
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