It is officially the first day of fall, which is a relief to those of us who are sick of the heat and humidity. But, unfortunately, in addition to the cooler temps, fall also means kids are back in school and it’s only a matter of time before germs begin spreading (if they haven’t already taken over at your house).
Here are some tips to stay healthy this fall from our friends at the NKY Tribune:
Tips for Zika:
(It is important to note that, to date, all Zika cases in our region are due to travel outside the United States, and, so far, have not been locally transmitted.)
1. Eliminate potential breeding areas for mosquitoes. These include birdbaths, clogged gutters, kiddie pools and flower pots, among other areas of your yard. See more prevention tips here.
2. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to avoid mosquito bites (and the potential transmission of other dieases, in addition to Zika).
3. If traveling to an area where Zika has been found, watch for symptoms which include fever, rash, red eyes and joint pain. If you experience symptoms, see your health care provider.
Tips for whooping cough:
1. Get vaccinated, especially if you know you will be in contact with an infant. Whooping cough is dangerous, and possible life threatening, to infants who have not yet been immunized. The bacteria is spread through sneezes and coughs. Symptoms include a cold with a persistent cough that takes weeks or months to go away.
Tips for the seasonal flu:
1. Flu season starts (unofficially) on October 1, so be sure your family (over the age of 6 months) gets vaccinated.
2. Wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and avoid others who are sick.
Tips for bats and rabies:
1. Halloween decorations are fun; real bats are not. Avoid contact with bats and other wild animals, as there have been 3 bats with rabies found locally this year.
2. If you are bitten by a bat (often bites go unnoticed as they are so small), disinfect the area and see a doctor.
Want more tips? Follow us on Twitter and like our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
