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Newsroom Chapter Blog
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Oct
5
10/5/2009 10:50 AM
If you still need a seasonal flu shot, starting today Barnes Jewish Hospitals are offering FREE flu shots. Or you can call 2-1-1 for a list of places in your area.
Here are some of the questions our Red Cross staff have been asking about the flu:
- What is the incubation period (the time between infection and the appearance of symptoms) of the flu virus? The estimated incubation period is unknown and could range from 1 to 7 days, and more likely 1 to 4 days.
- How can someone with the flu infect someone else? Infection can spread beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
- How does the flu spread? The main way that influenza viruses are thought to spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This is called "droplet spread." This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled (generally up to 3 feet) through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. The viruses also can spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else’s mouth or nose) before washing their hands.
- How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
Most people understand that they should call their family doctor if a family member isn’t feeling well – instead of rushing to the ER. However, I wanted to give you the following in case you are unsure if you should seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Nicole Holtgrefe is the director of preparedness and client services for the St. Louis Area Chapter.
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2 comment(s) so far...
Re: Nicole Holtgrefe - Free Flu Shots
Dear Nicole,
Yes, it is I, Father Joe.
I was looking for some information about the flu situation here in St. Louis and came across your site.
I have been reading through some of your blogs and find it quite interesting.
I have a favor to ask, if possible.
Could I save a copy of this information and provide it by way of the parish bulletin board or maybe even through the weekend bulletin. I think knowledge is a great anitdote to fear and anxiety and this information is very helpful, I believe.
If I may use it, just let me know when you come to Mass or jot me a quick Email.
Thanks. I am so impressed and encouraged when I see you at Mass and know that there are indeed very good and decent people around whom the Lord has blessed me to know. Thanks for your witness to your Catholic Faith, Nicole. God love and bless you always.
Father Joe Parisi
By Father Joe Parisi on
10/24/2009 11:14 AM
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Re: Nicole Holtgrefe - Free Flu Shots
Hey Father!
So great to hear from you. Of course you can use our information. In fact, I am going to bring you some things that might be helpful.
Thanks and see you tonight!
Nicole
***If anyone else is interested in information, call us at 314-516-2800!***
By Nicole Holtgrefe on
10/27/2009 3:26 PM
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