OKLAHOMA CITY -
With the flu in
full force, a lot of us seem to be heeding the warnings to use hand sanitizer
and anti-bacterial wipes. So much so that some stores are running
out.
Hospitals report a
dramatic rise in the number of flu cases and doctors say we haven't even hit
our peak yet. At Northwest
Physical Therapy, there's a lot opportunity for spreading flu germs.
"We have a lot of
people in and out of the clinic and in particular, in my setting, it's hands on,"
said Owner and therapist Gary Handley.
That's why they
have stocked up on sanitizer and wipes, and have stepped up all of their
cleaning.
"Certainly we hand
was and disinfect surfaces, but just in this nature we need to make sure handles
and those kinds of things are wiped down as well," said Handley.
1/16/2013
Related Story: Edmond Hospital Reaches Full Capacity Due To Flu
It's important,
say doctors, for everyone even if you don't know anyone who is sick.
"You can have the
flu 24 to 48 hours before you have symptoms and your contagious five days after
your symptoms start," said Dr. Shane Hull, a pulmonologist with OU Medical
Center Edmond.
At OU Medical
Center in Edmond, they are at capacity, with flu patients flooding their ER and
ICU.
"I think it's
going to get a lot worse before it gets better," said Hull.
1/15/2012
Related Story: EMSA: How To Tell If You Have The Flu
Which means the
flight on the flu will come down to the home front, and now is the time to
build up your defenses.
Hull says if
you do think you have the flu, don't wait to call your doctor. The
medicine only works if you start it within 48 hours of seeing symptoms. And if someone else in your house has the flu also call the doctor and get on
the medication.
Hull says
fewer people have gotten vaccinated from the flu this year, and that's why he
thinks more people are getting it.
1/10/2013 Related
Story: Fighting The Flu: Take Steps To Protect Yourself
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