Ha llegado la temporada de la gripe
De acuerdo con la clínica Mayo, la gripe – también conocida como la influenza (flu), es una infección viral que ataca el sistema respiratorio, incluyendo la nariz, garganta y pulmones. Los síntomas incluyen fiebre arriba de 100° Fahrenheit, dolores musculares, escalofríos, dolores de cabeza, tos, fatiga, congestión nasal y dolor de garganta.
Las personas que están en riesgo de contagiarse de la gripe incluye a niños menores de 5 años, adultos mayores de 65, embarazadas, personas con sistemas inmunes débiles y personas con enfermedades crónicas.
Recibir una vacuna anual para la gripe reducirá las posibilidades de contagio. Aquellos que se contagian de la gripe se les aconseja tomar muchos líquidos, descansar, tomar analgésicos y medicamentos antivirales, conforme a lo recomendado por un médico.
Para evitar contagiar la gripe a otros, debe evitarse contacto con niños y los ancianos. Se aconseja lavarse las manos minuciosamente, como lo también es evitar tocarse los ojos, nariz y boca.
Para promover la prevención de la gripe, Mid America Immunization Coalition-Mother & Child Health Coalition y el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos han establecido clínicas gratis en Kansas y Missouri. El horario, fechas y localidades son los siguientes:
Kansas (solamente mayores de 7 años):
*9 a.m.- mediodía, jueves (Sept. 24): Jack Reardon Convention Center, 520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan.
*11 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 6 y 3-6 p.m. Oct. 8: Kansas City, Kan., Community College, 7250 State Ave., Kansas City, Kan.
Gratis–no se necesita cita
Missouri (sólo mayores de 12 años):
*9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 5-9: Consulado Mexicano, 1617 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, Mo.
*2-4 p.m. Oct. 15: Farmacia Walgreens en Research Medical Center, 2330 E. Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
*2-5 p.m. Oct. 22: St. Mark Child Development Center, 2008 E. 12th St., Kansas City, Mo.
*4-7 p.m. Nov. 3: Farmacia Walgreens, 3845 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo.
Getting ready for flu season
By Chara
Flu season has arrived.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the flu – a.k.a., influenza – is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system, including the nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms include a fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, aching muscles, chills, headaches, coughing, fatigue, nasal congestion and a sore throat.
People who are at risk of getting the flu include children under 5 years old, adults older than 65, pregnant women, people with a weak immune system and people with chronic diseases.
Getting an annual flu vaccination will reduce one’s chances of getting the flu. Those who get the flu are advised to drink plenty of liquids, rest, take painkillers and take anti-viral medications, as prescribed by a doctor.
To prevent passing the flu to others, contact with children and the elderly should be avoided. Thorough hand-washing also is encouraged, as is avoiding contact with one’s eyes, nose and mouth.
To promote flu prevention, the Mid America Immunization Coalition-Mother & Child Health Coalition and the Department of Health and Human Services have set up free flu clinics across Kansas and Missouri. Clinic times, dates and locations include the following:
Kansas (ages 7 and older only):
*9 a.m.-noon Thursday (Sept. 24): Jack Reardon Convention Center, 520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan.
*11 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 6 and 3-6 p.m. Oct. 8: Kansas City, Kan., Community College, 7250 State Ave., Kansas City, Kan.
Free – no appointments necessary
Missouri (ages 12 and older only):
*9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 5-9: Mexican Consulate, 1617 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, Mo.
*2-4 p.m. Oct. 15: Walgreens at Research Medical Center, 2330 E. Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
*2-5 p.m. Oct. 22: St. Mark Child Development Center, 2008 E. 12th St., Kansas City, Mo.
*4-7 p.m. Nov. 3: Walgreens Pharmacy, 3845 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo.
