Fighting the Flu: ‘Don’t Go Out Unless You Must’

Coffee shops, schools, and businesses have been closing their doors this year to try to stem the tide of the active strains of flu virus. No matter! A good portion of the country is still getting hit hard by this year’s bug.

Virginia and West Virginia are among the states on high alert. Joining them are New York and Wisconsin — where employers are struggling to fully staff their businesses due to widespread outbreaks. Washington State officials this week reported that more than 200 people have died during the state’s worst flu season in a decade. And Sampson Regional Medical Center in North Carolina just imposed visitation restrictions for patients in the hospital due to widespread influenza activity.

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“It’s been pretty bad … 20 percent of the kids are out of our local public schools, at least,” said Dr. Rosemary Stein, a North Carolina-based pediatrician. “I always say it’s better off for them to close the school when it’s like this because it’ll stop the virus from harboring and spreading.”

Her community’s school remains open, however.

“If you hear that the whole school has the flu and your kid is the only healthy one, use common sense — don’t send your child to school. Go pick up their homework instead,” said one pediatrician.

“Don’t go out unless you have to. If you hear that the whole school has the flu and your kid is the only healthy one, use common sense — don’t send your child to school, for at least a few days, anyway. Go pick up their homework so that you don’t bring the flu home, especially if you have a newborn,” Stein told LifeZette. “Clean off things like the grocery cart bar with sanitizer before you touch it; sanitize your hands when you’re done and before you put your hands to your mouth. If you know that the flu is at epidemic proportions in your town, as much as you can, stay home.”

Tamiflu, one main treatment available to shorten the course of the flu and minimize its impact, is said to be in short supply in some places. And for those who can find it, a heads up: It’s not cheap. Without insurance, a 10-capsule box could run $160. Pharmacists say those without insurance should ask if there is a discount available.

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People who are ill need to start taking Tamiflu within 48 hours of having symptoms — or it is really not all that effective.

In the meantime, those who are sick need to rest and stay hydrated. “One of the most important things you can do besides fever control is to drink lots and lots of liquids. Water is the best choice, or some nice herbal tea with honey,” said Stein.

Related: Does Your Dog Really Need a Flu Shot?

And this could go on for quite some time: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said flu viruses can be active as late as May — and that it’s never too late to get a shot. You’re not only protecting yourself but others in your community who may be at high risk.