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Cold and flu season is here

Hansconian (Concord, MA) - 2/13/2016

The 66th Medical Squadron Public Health office would like to remind the Hanscom community that the cold, flu and respiratory infection season is now in full effect.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, common colds are the primary reason that children miss school and adults miss work. As a result, 66 MDS Public Health officials suggest that members of the Hanscom community stay home when not feeling well to prevent the spread of illness.

Officials say that following the exposure to someone who is sick, an individual will begin to experience symptoms in four to six days. Those symptoms generally remain active for seven to 10 days.

Public Health members also caution employees to be aware of the following signs and symptoms to protect themselves and others from becoming ill.

Signs and Symptoms:

n Runny nose

n Coughing and sneezing

n Sore throat

n Fever

n Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in very young infants: irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties

As treatment is relatively limited, protection is important:

n Wash your hands often with soap and water (scrub them for 20 seconds)

n Avoid touching the area around the eyes, nose and mouth

n Stay away from people who are sick

n Stay at home when sick

n Get vaccinated with seasonal flu vaccine

It is important to see a doctor when experiencing these symptoms:

n A temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit

n Symptoms that last greater than 10 days

n Symptoms that are severe or unusual

For further information on these illnesses and more, visit www.cdc.gov or contact Hanscom's Public Health office at 781-225-6295.