Flu Outbreak Has Health Officials 'Concerned'

Hospital emergency rooms across New Hampshire are booming, and that's never a good thing when it comes to the ER. Thanks to the flu, hospital staff are seeing scores of patients who are sick from this flu season's strain.

Chris Adamski, director of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services' Bureau of Infectious Diseases, said the state is one of 41 that have had widespread flu cases since the season started in October. The state has had 13 influenza deaths in December and 40 flu outbreaks.

"We are seeing an earlier and active flu season and that makes us concerned," Adamski said.

State health officials are closely monitoring hospitals, health care facilities, nursing homes and schools to monitor flu activity.

"We haven't seen any huge spikes yet," Adamski said.

Currently, state health officials don't have any plans to hold flu clinics because Adamski said there is enough available vaccine. She firmly believes that getting a flu shot is the first line of defense against influenza, in addition to washing hands regularly with hot, soapy water or sanitizer.

Most importantly, Adamski said people who develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, coughing, etc. should stay home so they don't spread it to others.

Here are the state DHHS's best ways to prevent getting sick with flu:

• Get the flu vaccine.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before
  touching food, after using the bathroom, and after changing diapers
• Use an antibacterial hand gel for the times you cannot wash your hands
  with soap and water.
• Use a tissue  to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze,
  throw away the tissue, and then wash your hands.
• Stay home  from work or school if you have flu-like symptoms until 48
  hours after the symptoms stop.
• As much as possible, stay away from people who have flu-like symptoms.
• Eat right, exercise, and get plenty of sleep.
• Wash frequently touched objects, such as door handles, kitchen and
  bathroom surfaces, drinking  fountains, and phone receivers, with a
  household disinfectant.
• Avoid sharing utensils, such as glasses and spoons, and food.