Shoo Flu Don't Bother Me!

It's cold out there! Our new fall weather really brings it home that winter is coming and flu season is here. If you haven't thought about the flu yet this year, now is the time to get active about staying well this flu season.

What is the flu?

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by various strains of viruses. Flu season in the United States starts every fall and ends in the spring. This type of flu is also known as the seasonal flu and affects 5 to 20 percent of Americans every year. Influenza as harmless at may seem can be very dangerous if not taken care of properly. About 23,600 deaths occur each year in the United States because of flu-related causes.

Flu Symptoms

• High fever
• Headaches
• Severe body aches
• Extreme tiredness
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
• NOTE: Having all of these symptoms does not neccessarily mean you have the flu. Many different illnesses have similar symptoms, so it is best to visit your healthcare provider who can provide a better diagnostic.

How Can I avoid the flu?

• The flu vaccine is the best way of preventing the flu and is available every year in the United States. For a better chance of protection, make sure to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible. Here are a few locations offering the flu vaccine in the area:
• For students: The University of Texas and ACC will be offering flu vaccines for students and faculty.
• For more locations near you, you can visit the American Lung Association
• Practice good health habits like eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest, drinking enough fluids and excercising. This will help maintain your body's resistence to infections.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• Avoid or minimize contact with sick people that can spread the flu.

Go get your flu shot!

Tips to Stay Well after a Disaster

Red Cross volunteer Felicia Adams of Austin talks to Shannon Shine, a woman from Bastrop who came to the Red Cross shelter overwhelmed and looking for help after losing her house in the wildfires. 

Natural disasters can cause severe material damage and can also bring about a lot of stress. Disasters affect  not only those people who may have lost their homes, but also volunteers or workers helping those affected.

During the recent wildfires in Central Texas, not only was the American Red Cross involved in making sure residents had the shelter, food, and medical care they needed after being evacuated from their homes, but also that emotional support was given. American Red Cross counselors provided this support by visiting Red Cross shelters and the communities affected by the wildfires to provide counseling to residents in the area.

Disasters like the recent wildfires affect all of us in some way. It's important that we all take time to take care of ourselves and each other.

Here are a few tips to help stay well:

• Take care of your safety. One of the first steps to take is to make sure that you and your family have safe place to stay and that all medical necessities are being met.
• Eat healthy. It is important to drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet during time of stress.
• Get some rest. Getting sleep will help you cope better and relieve some of the stress you may be experiencing.
• Stay connected with family and friends. The Red Cross offers a way of helping you get in contact with family and friends to let them know you are safe and well. Staying connected and having emotional support from loved ones as well as giving is one of the most important things to do during this time.
• Set priorities. It is important to tackle things in small steps and not attempt to do everything at once so that you do not feel overwhelmed with so much to do.
• Gather information about assistance and resources to help you and your family on how to proceed after the disaster. 
• Stay positive. Remember how you have gotten through stressful situations in the past and that there are many resources available that will also help through this situation.

For these and other helpful tips about taking care of your emotional needs after a disaster you can visit this page.

HEALTH SERVICES RESPONSE COURSE FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ADDED FOR MAY

The Emergency Services depatment is offering a Health Services Response Workshop in May.



This workshop is designed to orient licensed or certified health professionals to the roles and responsibilities of a Health Services Associate when working on behalf of the American Red Cross to meet the disaster-related health needs of clients.


Prerequisite: RN, LVN, MD, other licensed healthcare credentials.


LMS ID:  2981554
Length: 8 hours.
Date: May 12th & 13th
Time: 6:00PM - 9:30PM

Please visit our website for more information or contact Melissa Payne to sign up at 512.929.1294 or mpayne@centex.redcross.org.