Have you changed behaviors during this year’s flu outbreak?
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Like the rest of the nation, Iowa is battling a high influx of influenza cases, with the peak not expected for several more weeks.
According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, the number of hospitalizations and percent of patients going to clinics for flu-like symptoms is already three times higher than in typical years, when the season peaks in February.
One notable aberration was in 2009, when the H1N1 virus was already widespread — the highest level of flu activity — by October of that year.
Eastern Iowa, so far, is not on pace with the Des Moines area, where hospitals urged patients with non-life-threatening illnesses to seek treatment at clinics rather than emergency rooms, because of heavy patient volumes. Those Des Moines-area hospitals also are restricting visitors.
What’s been your response to this year’s widespread flu outbreak? Are you changing behaviors, such as washing hands more frequently or avoiding public places? Have you gotten a flu shot this year, and is your decision different than in prior years?
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Yesterday, in church, there was some attempt to limit handshakes when greeting people and when passing the peace. I fully respected people who were in the “no handshake” mindset, but I gladly shook hands with people who were not in that mindset. I estimate that our congregation was about 50/50 in terms of who shook hands and who didn’t.
For me, a good handshake is a meaningful sign of friendship. There is always a modest degree of risk in shaking hands. These days, the risk is a little higher. It’s a risk I am willing to take in exchange for the expression of friendship.
I have not gotten a flu shot yet. It is not 100% effective. In fact, it is not even close. I may still get one to improve my odds, but people need to realize that it only improves your odds. It does not guarantee you that you will not get the flu.
I’ve started using hand lotion to relieve my chapped hands. The dry air along with protective frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer has had it’s consequences.