Flu Activity on the Rise in Massachusetts

Influenza activity is on the rise in Massachusetts, and the flu season has actually not yet peaked, so there's still time to get a flu vaccine if you want one!

If you have already been vaccinated but want to protect yourself further, thorough and frequent handwashing for your entire family is one of the most important things that you can do to prevent the spread of illness. You don't need to purchase expensive antibacterial soaps, since these soaps have actually been shown to increase the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in communites where they are widely used. Simply scrub your hands together with any basic soap for approximately 20 seconds (or about as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song).

Also, practice good cough and sneeze hygeine by bringing your arm in front of your face before sneezing, and sealing your mouth in the crook of your elbow. Sneezing into your hand obviously will soil your hand unnecessarily and put others at risk. This practice also allows a great deal more of the droplets being propelled forcefully from your mouth into the air where others might be exposed to them. Wash your hands especially well after sneezing and coughing, and try not to share towels and other personal hygeine items with others who might be infected.

If anyone in your home becomes ill with the flu, check the CDC's Flu website for information on self care, or contact the Amherst Health Department at 413-259-3077. The Health Department has brochures about caring for people with flu, and these are available in English, Portuguese, Spanish and Chinese.