Nationally, the number of people falling ill with flu is increasing and the hospitalization rate for flu victims has just jumped. Dr. Daniel B. Jernigan, Director of the C.D.C.’s influenza division, said during a telephone news conference that it is expected that about 710,000 hospitalizations will result from the flu. So far, this season, there have been 37 pediatric deaths because of the flu.
As a nurse you are at ground zero for exposure to the virus, so what can you do to protect yourself:
1 – Get a flu shot
2 – Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer a lot
3 – Touch your face as little as possible
4 – Wear a face mask when you are around sick people
5 – Get enough rest (7 to 9 hours a night) on a consistent basis
6 – Wear gloves when treating patients
7 – Ramp up your fluid intake
8 – Get your blood pumping regularly because it increases the activity of a white blood cell that attacks viruses
9 – Eat a healthy diet – cut back on sugary and fatty foods and increase your intake of vegetables, fruit and lean protein
10 – Keep a positive attitude and laugh often, this counteracts stress and helps to build your immune system
Stay healthy!
