KEENE, NH- As many across the country combat the flu and its related symptoms, many in Cheshire County are left wondering just how bad this Flu season is compared to previous years and what they can do to prevent it.
According to Infection Specialist, Anne Nolan of Cheshire Medical Center Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene “were not really seeing an increase in the severity of infection for the flu, were just seeing it earlier than we’ve ever seen it before.”
While unable to provide exact numbers for this current flu season Nolan said “Like the state has seen, we’ve seen an increases in our Emergency room, outpatient clinic and at our hospital.”
For those currently experiencing symptoms medical officials like Nolan recommend staying home if sick, get plenty rest, drink plenty of fluids and in the event a person is in a high risk category ( such as being pregnant, or those with Heart or Lung disease, diabetes or any aliment which has compromised one’s immune system) to see a doctor immediately.
As for those who held off in getting a flu shot, Nolan along with many other medical professionals highly recommend getting vaccinated as soon as possible; other recommendations mentioned in a press release from Cheshire Medical Center Dartmouth- Hitchcock Keene include: washing your hands with soap and water on a very frequent basis, or using an alcohol-based hand cleaner, avoid touching your face as it will prevent the spreading of germs, get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet and to avoid crowded areas as well as contact with others who are sick.
While there still remains plenty of cause for concern in relation to this Flu season, those who were worrying Cheshire Medical might at one point reached capacity in terms of available space for medical providers to see those afflicted this flu season can relax, as according to Senior Director of Development and Communications Sandie Phipps, that’s just not true.
Those wishing to find out more about additional prevention and care giving tips can access a full array of information at both Cheshire Medical’s website : www.Chesire-med.org and the State’s department of health and human services website : www.dhhs.nh.gov.
