Flu Raging In Minnesota

It appears the flu is off to an early and potent start. The Minnesota Department of Health is now describing the flu as 'widespread' in the state. Some area schools have cancelled games due to too many sick players, hospital ERs are being overrun, and the shot may be less effective than we had hoped.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, here's what you should do if you think you have the flu:

• Stay home.
• Rest and drink lots of fluids.
• Antibiotics will not help you recover from the flu, because flu is caused by a virus, not by bacteria.
• Children often need help keeping their fever under control. Follow your child’s doctor’s instructions.

Take your child to the doctor or the emergency room if they:

• Breathe rapidly or with difficulty.
• Has bluish skin color.
• Does not drink enough and becomes dehydrated.
• Does not wake up or interact with others.
• Is so irritable that he or she doesn't want to be held.
• Gets better only to become sick again, with fever and a more severe cough.

Experts say that getting the flu shot, washing your hands regularly, and avoiding sick people are your best defenses of the flu bug this season.