Health
Department puts out alert and advises you to take precautions
 |
| Spanish Flu outbreak, 1918 |
Disease surveillance systems at the Rhode
Island Department of Health (RIDOH) have detected an increase in viral
respiratory and gastrointestinal illness over the past several days.
This is not unexpected for this time of year.
However, the Department is urging all Rhode Islanders to help prevent the
spread of viral illnesses like the flu and norovirus by practicing good
personal protection measures.
To help keep yourself and your family healthy this winter:
• Sneeze and cough into your elbow.
• If you are sick, stay home from work,
school, or childcare. (Lots of luck if you don’t have paid sick leave – editor)
• If you are a food handler, healthcare
worker, or child care worker and are vomiting or have diarrhea, you must stay
home until symptoms have stopped for at least 48 hours.
• Do not share utensils, water bottles, or
other personal items. Many germs that cause viral illness are spread through
saliva.
• Wipe down common items like phones,
keyboards, door knobs, and railings with a disinfectant that contains bleach.
You can also use a solution of 5-25 tablespoons of bleach to one gallon of
water.
• If you have not already done so, get your
annual flu shot! Flu activity is increasing in Rhode Island, and a flu shot is
the easiest and most effective way to help prevent the flu.
"While we expect to see an increase in viral
illnesses at this time of year, we know hospital emergency departments are
experiencing an increase in patients with respiratory and gastrointestinal
illness," said Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH.
"It is important to protect yourself
from getting sick whenever possible, by following the tips to best take care of
you and your family this winter."
Many viral illnesses need to run their course and require
staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest.
Antibiotics
fight bacterial infections and will not cure illnesses caused by a
virus.
If you are sick enough to seek medical care
and your problem is not life-threatening or risking disability, you may be able
to call your doctor or schedule an urgent visit for care instead of going
directly to the emergency department.
