Falling into Cold and Flu Season | Video

Amy Fox | 9/20/2012

Trees are beginning to change colors and leaves are starting to fall, which means cold and flu season is here again, well almost.

"Well, we see a lot of allergy symptoms this time of year. Cold and flu season is usually a little later after it freezes. It peaks in December and January," said Market Pharmacy Owner Brad Morrison.

While the official start of the cold and flu season is a couple of months away, come two weeks and there will be more going around, just ask ABC Child Care Center Director LaVonne Beyerle about all those germs.

"We really notice a big change once siblings start into school because then they`re exposed to even more germs in the classroom and bring them home to the little ones."

One of those viruses is influenza, which can cause someone to have flu-like symptoms, like a fever, soar throat, or cough.

"It affects the respiratory system and it will mostly be those types of symptoms you will see," said Melissa Fettig, First District Health Immunization Coordinator.

With colder weather, people are more susceptible to those types of viruses, especially at child care centers where lots of kids play with the same toys.

"We use bleach water,” said Beyerle. “They give us a formula on how to do it and then those that can be dipped, they are dipped, and then they are drained until they dry. You have to have it at least two minutes on there."

If you or your child catches the bug, when do you really need to make a trip to the doctor?

Fettig said, "If there is any difficulty breathing or they have to seem to have to work harder, that would be an indication to bring them into the doctor."
Some people like to use over the counter medicine to take care of their illness, but it`s important to look at the back of the box for the drug facts and warnings.

"It’s very important to follow the instructions of their pediatricians,” said Fettig. The dosages will change based on the age and weight of the child."
By washing your hands and getting a flu shot, we can only hope we will stay healthy this cold and flu season.

Fettig says last year, First District Health Unit provided 10-13,000 doses of the influenza vaccine.

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