This winter, hospitals have seen moderate to high amounts of activity due to influenza. During last year's season, 28,000 people died from influenza, including 288 children. Flu cases in Wisconsin tend to rise during the winter and continue to occur into April or May. While most people can get through the illness without serious problems, every year many are hospitalized and some die as a result of influenza infection.
There are several ways to protect yourself and your family from influenza:
- Vaccination: The influenza vaccine is the best way to protect against flu. Everyone six months and older should be vaccinated annually, unless there is a specific health reason not to. The vaccine may help prevent an influenza infection. If you get sick, the vaccine can make your symptoms milder and keep you out of the hospital. The influenza vaccine is safe and effective, and cannot give you a case of the flu.
- Hand Washing: Wash your hands frequently using soap and water or an alcohol based sanitizer, especially after touching door knobs, handles or other high-touch surfaces. Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands.
- Cover Your Sneeze or Cough: Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze to protect those around you, Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow, and throw the tissue in the trash after use.
- Stay Put: Stay home when you are sick, and try to avoid being around others who are ill.
There are also ways to manage your flu symptoms:
- For mild, new symptoms: If you are sick with a fever, body aches and a cough you may have influenza. Contact or visit your health care provider to discuss your symptoms.
- There are antiviral medications available that can lessen the severity and shorten the course of the illness. Your health care provider can discuss whether that is a good choice for you or your family member. Contact your health care provider as soon as possible if you think you may have the flu. These medications work best when taken within 48 hours of feeling symptoms.
- Where to receive care:
- Urgent Care: Recommended for urgent needs outside regular office hours, such as a high fever or sudden mild-to-moderate symptoms that cannot wait for a primary care appointment.
- Hospital ER: If you or your child has a very high fever, difficulty breathing, or concerns about dehydration visit your emergency department for care.
For more information about influenza in children, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website.
Ascension Wisconsin is proud to be a part of the Appleton community and is committed to working to continuously improve patient health and wellness. To schedule an appointment with a primary care provider or learn more about Ascension Wisconsin, please visit healthcare.ascension.org.
Todd McKenzie, MD is a pediatrician with Ascension Wisconsin. He primarily sees patients at Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital, located at 1506 S Oneida Street in Appleton. To schedule an appointment, call 920-730-4950.
