How to keep the flu from spreading this season

by Darla Hernandez (darlah@wsbt.com)

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Once you get a flu shot, it takes 2-3 weeks to develop the immunity and then it lasts the whole season. (WSBT file photo)

Story Created: Dec 18, 2008 at 4:54 PM EST

Story Updated: Dec 24, 2008 at 12:32 AM EST

SOUTH BEND — It's not happy holidays for hundreds of families who are battling a furious flu that's spreading throughout Michiana.

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Numerous doctors and urgent care centers around the area all say the same thing — upper respiratory infections are on the rise. The number of patients with flu symptoms seems to be soaring as well.

The experts offered a few tips on how to prevent the flu from spreading this season.

Yvette Wolter is hoping this will be a happy and healthy holiday season. That's why her daughter is getting the flu vaccine.

“It's a worry not just for my own family, but my immediate family. I have one sister with six kids and another with three. We all get together, so we got to try and keep those diseases down," she said.

Dr. Robert Oppman with the South Bend Clinic in Granger says there are some nasty illnesses going around.

"Currently we are in the midst more of a gastrointestinal outbreak — about a 48-hour type of illness involving vomiting and diarrhea. It's very seasonal," explained Oppman.

It's not too late to get a flu shot, doctors say. It takes 2-3 weeks to develop the immunity and then it lasts the whole season.

"That's our best protection," Oppman said. "That probably decreases our risk of getting the flu by 70-90 percent. That doesn't have to be a shot — it can be the nasal spray if you are afraid of the vaccine."

The best way to prevent spreading the virus between family members:

wash hands often

don’t share utensils, cups, or food

keep them in their room away from other family members

Wolter is hoping this will be a Christmas to remember in a good way. “Keep your fingers crossed," she said.

Doctors also say try to avoid touching your nose and mouth which are portals of entry for the virus.

Lastly, if you become sick don't try to fight it off and go to work. You are only going to infect your co-workers and in turn the virus will spread.

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