Flu Cases 'Widespread,' Says Red Cross

Outbreaks are earlier than normal in the area.

The Red Cross said there's still time for folks to get flu shots and be protected against what is considered to be a more active than normal flu season.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said flu outbreaks are high for this time of the season, with "widespread activity" in Massachusetts. How do you prevent the flu? According to the CDC, in addition to getting the vaccine, you can: How do you know if you have the virus? Symptoms include: high fever, severe body aches, headache, being extremely tired, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and vomiting and/or diarrhea (which is more common in children). When should you call the doctor? According to the Red Cross, if you think you have the flu, your doctor should be consulted …

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Hardman: Family Cures for What Ails You

Columnist tells family secrets to do dealing with the common cold.

Cough, cough, sniff, sniff. I'm writing this column in pain from the cold, flu, infection or whatever I've had for the last month. It's the bug that came for Halloween and stayed for Thanksgiving. Yes, I've been to a doctor. "Take this medicine and you will feel better by next Tuesday," he said. It's Friday and I'm still in major coughing mode. I know I'm not alone. I hear you coughing in the coffee shop or see you dealing with a runny nose. Wait. I just had another major coughing fit. I've been to my local pharmacy where it is stocked with rows and rows of stuff to help me, us, feel better. Poppycock. Your 24-hour cough relief doesn't work. I still have a stuffed-up nose or I lose my voice every 10 minutes or so. Sorry, I just had another…

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The Hospital Corner

Protecting Yourself Against the Flu

Guest column by Wanda Carey, BSN, RN, CIC, manager of Infection Control at Norwood Hospital

Flu season has begun in Massachusetts, and with it the need to reacquaint ourselves with the best ways to safeguard ourselves and our loved ones from becoming sick this winter.   Flu defined: Flu, or influenza, is a viral disease of the body's respiratory system, including nose, throat and lungs. The most common symptoms include fever, cough and sore throat. They can also include body aches, headache, chills, runny nose and tiredness. Flu can be very serious, each year causing thousands of hospitalizations. Some people are at higher risk of serious health problems when they get the flu, including pregnant women, infants, the elderly and people with medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and weakened immune …

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