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Editorial: Be smart about navigating the flu season

You may have noticed fewer colleagues in the office these days or that some family and friends haven't been attending events.

One reason could be that it's cold and flu season and, as anyone who has been bitten by the bug knows, it's a rough one. And, with so many people sneezing and coughing - yuck - it may seem like it's only a matter of time before you're sick, too.

You can be smart about it, take some precautions, and with a little luck, avoid becoming a victim.

The predominant strain this year is influenza B, which started circulating earlier than usual and tends to strike children more, doctor say. This is a respiratory flu, not to be confused with the stomach virus, which is also common this time of year and no less pleasant to have.

Medical experts say they've also seen many cases of another serious health risk for children called RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, a common illness that can cause serious complications, especially for babies. Experts say it can be dangerous for the youngest infants because it can cause significant breathing problems. Its symptoms are similar to the flu - fever, cough and problems with breathing.

These are viruses that can lead to more dangerous problems so medical experts say you should take them seriously. So far this season, state and county health departments have reported 199 influenza-related admissions to hospital intensive care units. There has been one child death and one adult deaths. Nationwide, 32 flu-related child deaths have been reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control so far.

What can you do? There are some simple steps you can take to stay well if you haven't already gotten sick, or to keep from spreading the bug if you have.

• Get a flu shot. It's not too late. The flu season extends through March, and experts aren't sure when it will peak. If you get the flu, you're much less likely to have severe symptoms. The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccination for those 6 months and older, including pregnant women and people with medical conditions.

Wash your hands. These viruses spread through respiratory droplets when someone sneezes or coughs, or through contaminated surfaces, so scrub, scrub, scrub, especially after touching solid surfaces in common areas like doorknobs.

Stay home if you're sick. Your family, friends and co-workers feel bad for you that you caught the flu, but trust us, they don't want it. Stay home and rest, work from home if you feel indispensable and it's an option, but don't go to the office or out in public where you can spread your germs. Your friends, and everyone else, will thank you for it.

And, remember what your mother told you about using your sleeve instead of your hands to cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze. Be well.

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