Flu activity increasing around the country

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity is increasing in the United States. For the week ending January 1, 2011, eight states (Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, New York, North Carolina, and Virginia) reported widespread geographic influenza activity.  Puerto Rico and 16 states (Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas) reported regional geographic influenza activity.

There are simple steps you can take to prevent the spread of flu:

• Get Vaccinated – CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated against the flu each year.  The flu vaccine is safe, and is the best protection against flu viruses.  Find out where to get the vaccine in your neighborhood.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Sneeze into the bend of your arm or a tissue, not into your hands.
• If you’re sick, stay home as much as possible except to get medical care.
• Take antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.