Stay healthy and stop the spread during flu season
BY KADIE TAYLOR
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
CHAMBERS COUNTY — With the flu spreading through communities and many in Chambers County affected, local medical professionals are reminding residents of ways to remain healthy and stop the spread of the flu to others.
Health experts at the Chambers County Community Health and Wellness Center are working to educate the community on flu prevention and access to care, with the goal of keeping families, schools and workplaces healthy. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon — and there is currently no charge for visits.
“Flu season happens mostly in the fall and winter, and it can cause serious illness, especially for children, older adults and people with chronic health conditions,” Health Services Director for the Auburn University Rural Health Initiative Dr. Linda Gibson-Young said. “Getting vaccinated, washing hands and staying home when sick doesn’t just protect one person — it helps protect the entire community.”
With flu returning yearly, the danger the illness can pose is often forgotten — Dr. Gibson-Young said she wants to remind locals the illness can lead to serious complications, which can include pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
“Health is influenced by where people live, work and learn,” she said. “Preventive care like flu education and vaccination helps reduce hospital stays and protects our most vulnerable neighbors.”
Family nurse practitioner and clinic coordinator for Auburn Nursing Outreach Clinics, Amy Pridemore, said prevention is key in helping maintain community health and safety.
“The best ways to stay healthy during flu season include getting a flu vaccine, washing your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when you’re sick and avoiding close contact with others,” she said. “These steps lower your chances of getting the flu, and if you do get sick, they can reduce how severe the illness becomes.”
With schools being a frequent place for the spread of germs, both among students and across families, Chambers County Schools Lead Nurse Carla Anthony said she wants to remind local parents and guardians of symptoms they should be aware of in their children.
“Parents should watch for symptoms like, if their child gets up in the morning and they have a fever — we put the number at 100 degrees, but really any fever — and the child doesn’t feel good, if they’re vomiting or have diarrhea,” she said. “Symptoms to watch for this year are sore throat, cough, general body aches, all of those are symptoms of the flu… If your child has symptoms, keep your child at home, and keep them away from the other children if you can.”
How to stop the spread when sick:
• Stay home and rest until fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow
• Wash hands often or use hand sanitizer
• Wear a mask when around others, especially indoors
• Avoid sharing drinks, utensils or sleeping spaces
• Clean frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and phones
• Follow guidance from a healthcare provider, including antiviral medications if prescribed
“When people take these precautions, they aren’t just protecting themselves,” Pridemore said. “They’re helping keep schools open, workplaces running and families healthier.”
Building a healthier body year-round:
• Eat balanced meals with fruits, vegetables and lean proteins
• Drink plenty of water
• Stay physically active, even with simple activities like walking
• Get seven to nine hours of sleep each night
• Manage stress and stay socially connected
• Wash hands regularly and avoid touching ones face
Teaching children healthy habits can help families build immunity every day, Anthony said parents and guardians can help prepare their children for flu season well before the illness begins to spread.
“I really would encourage parents to focus on the things they can do to build their children’s immune system,” she said. “Things like focusing on good nutrition [through a] diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, cutting out junk food and sodas — they need to cut sodas out, children need to be drinking more water. The children need to have adequate sleep, which helps boost the immune system — staying up late at night on video games is not doing them any good. Regular physical activity helps the immune system — get some exercise. Teach them to have excellent hygiene, and make sure they are washing their hands. Those are some things that can boost the immune system.”
Dr. Gibson-Young said spending a couple of days away from others while sick can help protect them from illness and ensure important aspects of the community can remain functioning with healthy employees.
“We encourage people to stay home when they don’t feel well and avoid close contact with others who are sick,” she said. “These small actions go a long way in protecting the health of our entire community.”
For more information, visit Chambers County Community Health and Wellness Center or Chambers County School District on Facebook.
