Influenza Outbreak hits region

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By Jeremy Phillips

Executive Editor

According to local health officials in Ellis and neighboring counties, Influenza has now spread to an epidemic, with multiple school closings in the area.  As I type this posting tonight, I am suffering from a confirmed case of the flu bug.   I started having upper respiratory “scratchiness” yesterday, and today, it spread to aches, and pains, as well as a very high fever.

If you begin experiencing these signs and symptoms:

Signs and symptoms

Initially, the flu may seem like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. But colds usually develop slowly, whereas the flu tends to come on suddenly. And although a cold can be a nuisance, you usually feel much worse with the flu.

Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever over 101 F in adults, and often as high as 103 to 105 F in children
• Chills and sweats
• Headache
• Dry cough
• Muscular aches and pains, especially in your back, arms and legs
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nasal congestion
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea and vomiting in children

You have approximately 48 hours to begin treatment with a prescription known as TAMIFLU.    This medication treats the flu virus, and prevents it from spreading, and decreases the suffering, which goes along with the flu.

 Please remember to wash your hands, carry hand cleaners, etc.  Good hygine and rest can prevent the flu from spreading.  Avoid contact with people who have been diagnosed with the flu. 

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