YES. Cleveland Clinic believes there will be a rise in the number of cases of influenza this year, and while it may be difficult to tell flu symptoms apart from COVID-19 fever,chills,body aches, difficulty breathing, a cough-there are preventive measures that can protect you from both. Wash hands frequently; disinfect high-touch surfaces often, practice good cough etiquette ad stay home if you are sick.
HERE’S WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO:
- GET A FLU SHOT SOON. This year Cleveland Clinic is recommending that people get a flu vaccine in September or October. Recently they have seen the flu season show up sooner and last longer.
- STOCK YOUR MEDICINE CABINET. Have Tylenol for fevers, ibuprofen for muscles aches, cough syrup and a thermometer. Get flu and cold medication to cut down on nasel stuffiness and cough you might have.
- WEAR A MASK. Even if you are vaccinated, wear a mask in public spaces. They may become a routine part of our lives during severe respiratory illness seasons, and that’s OK, especially if we’re able to protect people and lower the number of deaths.
- CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR MEDICAL ADVICE AND YOUR HEALTH QUERIES
Sheila Birnbaum’s professional career has been devoted to enhancing patient care. As the Director of the Patient Advocacy Program at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), Hamilton, NJ, she instituted numerous programs, many which received statewide recognition, including several prestigious rewards.
