NANTUCKET – Over the past week there has been an increase in confirmed flu cases at Nantucket Cottage Hospital.
Laboratory testing has confirmed these, but there are additional patients who have been diagnosed based on symptoms. It is also presumed that there are other cases which have not yet been reported.
There are many steps that people can take to reduce the chance of coming down with this potentially deadly virus. The top recommendation is getting a flu shot, even at this point in the season.
Clean your hands with soap or alcohol-based sanitizer frequently, do not touch your nose, mouth or eyes, and, if you are experiencing symptoms, seek treatment but do not go to school or work until you have been symptom free without medications for 24 hours.
Some signs of the flu are fever, cough, stuffy or runny nose, body aches, chills and fatigue.