1. (NU) - Sponsored News - Each
year, millions of people suffer from
a cold or flu, and this year is like-
ly to be no different.
Temperature taking is a key in-
dicator of flu patterns and should
be taken seriously, says Mary Pap-
pas, the school nurse credited with
first alerting officials about the
H1N1 outbreak in 2009. “The flu
usually comes with a fever while
the common cold does not, so tak-
ing your temperature is the easiest
way to tell the difference,” she
says.Ahigh or prolonged fever can
be an indicator of when to seek
medical attention.
Pappas has been taking tem-
peratures for more than 30 years
and maintains that the most
important consideration is that it
be accurate. While there are many
types of thermometers available,
Pappas favors the Exergen Tem-
poralScanner because of its
proven accuracy and ease of use;
all it requires is a simple swipe
across the forehead.
“Whether it’s a student at my
school or a parent at home, I know
taking a temperature can be a
challenge,” says Pappas. “What I
love about the TemporalScanner
is that it’s not invasive like an ear,
rectal or oral thermometer. No
matter what a student comes to
see me for, I’m able to get an ac-
curate reading. It’s so easy to use
that you can take someone’s tem-
perature even when they are
sleeping and not disturb them.”
To help you prepare and cope
throughout the cold and flu season,
Pappas recommends the following
school nurse-approved tips:
1. Wash your hands regular-
ly for at least 20 seconds with
soap and water to help prevent
the spread of germs, or use
hand sanitizer.
2.Avoid sharing drinks or food
with others.
3. Frequently clean common-
ly touched areas like doorknobs
and light switches.
4. Always cover your mouth
with your elbow or sleeve when
you cough or sneeze.
5. Throw away tissues imme-
diately after use.
6. If you have a fever, monitor
your temperature regularly and
check with your doctor.
7. Get plenty of rest and
stay hydrated.
8. Use a humidifier to add
moisture to the air and help
drain congestion.
9. Stay home from work or
school if you are sick to avoid
spreading germs and make sure
your fever is gone for at least 24
hours before you return.
10. Consider speaking with
yourdoctoraboutgettingaflushot.
For more information visit
http://www.cdc.gov/flu.
Flu Season HasArrived: Helpful Tips
to Prevent the Spread of Germs
HEALTH
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Are you prepared for
flu season?
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