FLU

Continue washing your hands: That‘s the best advice for avoiding the flu.

“You’re exposed to so many people on an everyday basis, you can’t really do anything to protect yourself,” said Dr. Matthew Wheeler, assistant medical director of emergency medicine for the Heritage Valley Health System. “There’s a lot of hysteria associated with it and it’s important to be mindful, but not necessarily panicked.”

The most recent flu numbers show that Beaver County has had 877 cases since October…nearly three-quarters of the number in the county between October 2016 and September 2017. Lawrence County and Allegheny County have already surpassed last year’s complete season.

“April Hutcheson, communications director for the health department says. “The best protection is to get the flu shot.” It’s not too late: The shot takes about two weeks to take effect, Hutcheson said, and can help decrease the severity of the flu.

Health officials say that if you’re exhibiting flulike symptoms, it’s best to call the doctor and stay home until the symptoms have subsided for at least 24 hours. Among the most notable symptoms this year are fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches.