Flu season has arrived

Opinion

Discussion

September 30, 2009

Anonymous The Kokomo Tribune Wed Sep 30, 2009, 05:11 PM EDT

Each week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta publishes “FluView” – its findings of influenza indicators across the U.S.

During the week of Sept. 13-19, the CDC found flu activity continued to increase compared to previous weeks. According the CDC:

• Doctor visits for flu-like illnesses had increased six consecutive weeks and were higher than expected for this time of year.

• Flu hospitalization rates for adults and children were, again, higher than expected.

• Three pediatric deaths related to the H1N1 virus were reported the week of Sept. 13-19.

• Twenty-six states were reporting widespread flu activity, while Indiana saw regional cases. Any report of widespread activity in September is very unusual.

The Howard County Health Department expects to receive 10,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine for distribution this month. The health department plans to vaccinate school-age children at their schools, and it is encouraging doctors to vaccinate pregnant women and pre-schoolers.

But what do you do if you’re not among those at risk of contracting H1N1? The CDC suggests:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue away.

• Wash you hands often with soap and water.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

• And if you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

And, as we pointed out early in September, experts suggest having a two-week supply of water and food. You might need such a supply during a pandemic if you cannot get to a store or if stores run out of supplies.

Flu season is no fun, but if we can all use some common sense, we’ll get through it with the least amount of pain possible.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Opinion

White shouldn’t return to office
The issue: The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state.

Our view: Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.

February 9, 2012
Editorial - Feb. 8, 2012: Grand success for Indianapolis
The issue: The Super Bowl.

Our view: Indianapolis left a great impression on thousands of visitors.

February 8, 2012
Letters to the Editor: Feb. 8, 2012
As Hoosiers celebrate the conclusion of a truly remarkable Super Bowl experience, there is even more good news that should fill us with pride. More Indiana students are graduating from high school than ever before.

February 8, 2012
Which religions will we include?
The Indiana Senate last week approved a bill that would allow public schools to teach creationism, as long as they include theories from multiple religions.

February 6, 2012 1 Photo
If you say so
In an opinion piece we published Thursday, state Rep. Mike Karickhoff announced why he voted against “right-to-work” legislation. His reason: The community told him to.

February 5, 2012
Cheers and jeers - Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Karickhoff acted ‘cowardly’

The Rev. Robin Wentworth Mayer and Horst G. Mayer of Kokomo send the Jeer for state Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s silence during the “right-to-work” debate:

“Mr. Karickhoff, for someone who’s new to office, you’ve certainly learned the art of talking out of both sides of your mouth.

February 3, 2012
Let’s drug test our lawmakers
Perhaps it’s appropriate that a measure passed by the Indiana House this week would ask not only welfare recipients but Indiana lawmakers to consent to a drug test.

February 3, 2012
Editorial - Feb. 2, 2012: Peru delivers a message
The issue: Peru’s collection of $20,000 last year from property owners who failed to keep their yards mowed.

Our view: Aggressive enforcement can help a city’s finances, but the benefits go beyond dollars and cents.

February 2, 2012
Karickhoff: Reason behind my ‘right-to-work’ vote
There is no doubt the “right-to-work” debate has brought mixed emotions, not only to our state but District 30 as well. There were only a handful of House Republicans who did not vote in support of this legislation. Let me explain why I felt it was necessary for me to vote in opposition to right to work.

February 2, 2012
Heinig: ‘Right-to-work’ law to arouse continued resistance
I wouldn’t call Gov. Mitch Daniels a charismatic leader, but he does possess some leadership skills. If he didn’t, he couldn’t have brought us this far along the happy trail to his economic Valhalla.

February 2, 2012
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Discussion

Flu season has arrived

Site Map

Contact Us