It’s that dreaded time of the year…flu season. We need to take precautions in taking care of ourselves and family members during the flu season.  The timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary from season to season. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. in January or February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May. You can take everyday preventive steps like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs.  How much precaution you take, the flu is air-borne and might be too late.  It spreads by large droplets that sick people release when they sneeze or cough.  If you do get sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading influenza to others. Here’s how to protect ourselves and our family members to make them more comfortable during this time.  Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent the flu. If you are not fortunate enough to get a flu shot here are some systems to look for.

Flu symptoms include:

•A 100oF or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)

•A cough and/or sore throat

•A runny or stuffy nose

•Headaches and/or body aches

•Chills

•Fatigue

•Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:

•Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

•Purple or blue discoloration of the lips

•Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

•Sudden dizziness

•Confusion

•Severe or persistent vomiting

•Seizures

•Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

If the unfortunate happens and your children do vomit from flu systems, here are some home remedies to help you through until you call a professional carpet cleaner to fully extract the vomit from your carpets.

  • ·         Remove as much of the vomit as possible with dry paper towels.
  • ·         Dispose of paper towels immediately in a garbage can outside of the house.
  • ·         Use a clean rag and plain cold water to work out the remaining vomit.
  • ·         Apply carpet or fabric cleaner as directed on bottle.
  • ·         Disinfect the area with Lysol or another similar product.
  • ·         Spray deodorizer if the area has a strong lingering odor
  • ·         Cover area with a dry towel and allow it to dry.

Simple, easy tips to clean vomit stains from your carpets during the flu season.  Keep yourself healthy and take every precaution to avoid the flu this season.