FluFACTS Information

Source:  flufacts.com

Flu symptoms can be mild or severe — and if they’re mild can become severe without much notice. Be aware of your body and monitor your body temperature. Flu symptoms can come on suddenly — be sure you know your treatment and prevention options so you can be prepared.

The common symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever (usually high)
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Chills
• Extreme tiredness
• Dry cough
• Runny nose may also occur but is more common in children than adults
• Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, may also occur but are more common in children than adults

You don’t need to experience all of these symptoms to have the flu. If you have one or two, it’s recommended that you see your doctor. We’ve prepared a list of helpful questions to ask your doctor to help you make the most of your visit.
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From Medscape News
July 27, 2009 — The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, is changing its recommendation for annual seasonal influenza vaccination for children aged 6 months to 18 years to a “full recommendation,” Anne Schuchat, MD, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, announced.

In addition, the CDC is advising a seasonal flu vaccine for anyone who feels they need one.

“While we are focusing a lot of attention on the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, we do expect seasonal strains to emerge, and we are issuing updates of which strains to expect,” Dr. Schuchat said. These include the A-H1N1, A-H3N2, and B strains, “which are available in this year’s vaccine,” she noted. “This past year’s recommendations encouraged annual vaccination [of children]…. This year, [the CDC] is no longer just advising vaccination whenever feasible but is [issuing] a full-out recommendation” of the seasonal flu vaccine.

Only about 40% of the US population received a flu vaccine last year. The CDC is recommending and emphasizing “an intensification of use” of the vaccine.

Read more from Medscape Medical News

CBS News Video Story about Swine Flu at Camp this Summer
CBS News on Swine flu at camp

Camp practices protective behaviors and relationships

Camps, parents, and campers are learning important lessons in the management of the ‘influenza-like’ virus at summer camps across the country. Awareness and development of positive wellness habits are being developed – all of which will serve the schools well come this fall when kids return to school and the ‘flu season’ arrives. Millions of children and their families will be returning to school with well understood and practiced precautionary habits.

Some outstanding and creative practices we have heard about so far include:

* Individual tongs for each kid to use on the salad bar (to keep the healthy eating option)
* Alcohol wipes at high contact program areas (ropes courses, horseback riding, crafts, etc)
* Going to family-style serving at the table done by the staff member (serves and pours for all at the table)
* Strongly encouraging camp staff to get plenty of rest

To share protective activities or practices, beyond hand washing and safe sneezing, instituted at your camp contact ACA at 765-349-3317 or dswindle@ACAcamps.org. Protective behaviors can also be shared on ACA’s message board. ACA would love to share innovative suggestions for keeping campers safe and healthy with the camp community.
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Proper Hand Washing with Dr. Olden
Proper hand washing is one of the most important and easiest things that YOU can do to prevent the spread of diseases. Do you wash your hands properly? Watch this video and learn how.
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