Spreading the Flu Virus

The possibility of local or national influenza epidemic is a concern to all of us. While individuals cannot completely limit their exposure to the viruses that cause various types of influenza, there are things that can be done to reduce the likelihood of becoming infected. The following information is intended to help increase personal awareness and decrease the possibility of becoming exposed to the virus that causes influenza or other Type A influenzas. Additionally, it will help prevent exposing others should someone become ill.

Influenza viruses are spread when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes, or speaks and spreads virus into the air, and other people inhale the virus. When these viruses enter the nose, throat, or lungs of a person, they begin to multiply, causing symptoms of the flu.

The viruses can also be spread when a person touches a surface with flu viruses on it (for example, a door handle) and then touches his or her nose, mouth or eyes.

A person who is sick with the flu can spread the virus (i.e., is contagious) from 1 day before developing symptoms to up to 7 days after getting sick. Children can be contagious for longer than 7 days. An individual recovering from influenza may remain contagious even while claiming to feel better.

Preventing Exposure to Flu Virus

Employees can prevent exposure to the flu by being vaccinated each Fall, but there are other common-sense ways to protect against the flu:

Avoid close contact: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Employees who feel ill should keep their distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Wash hands: The best way to kill flu viruses on one’s person is by cleaning hands several times a day for at least 20 seconds with either soap or hand sanitizers. Washing hands often protects the individual from the flu virus and other germs.

Cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing: Covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing is not only courteous, it is expected. This practice will help prevent those in the vicinity from getting sick.

Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth: The flu is often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with the virus and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Stay home to prevent exposure to others: If possible, individuals with flu-like symptoms should stay home from work and not run errands in public. This will help prevent others from catching others’ illnesses.

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com

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Tatiana A. Wellens-Bruschayt, D.P.M., PhD. FACFAS

Dr. Tatiana Wellens-Bruschayt has been in practice in Polk County, Florida since 1999. She is president of Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center and has been trained in top medical institutions worldwide including South Miami Hospital, Baptist Health Systems Hospital, Ilizarov Institute for External Fixation in Russia, and Johns Hopkins Medical School in Baltimore, Maryland. She completed her Ph.D in biomedical sciences in 2002 and is only one of few podiatrists in the United States to carry a degree of Doctor of podiatric medicine as well as Ph.D. Dr. Wellens is board certified by the American College of Podiatric Surgery and is a Fellow with American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. She has performed over 4000 operations on foot and ankle and has been actively involved in clinical research directly associated with approval of medical devices through Food and Drug Administration. She is currently heading podiatric practice that specializes in medicine and reconstructive surgery of foot and ankle, which is the largest practice in Polk County, Florida. In her free time, Dr. Wellens enjoys water skiing, snow skiing, working out, and spending time with her two sons.

Maria T. Jaramillo-Dolan, D.P.M., FACFAS

Dr. Jaramillo-Dolan obtained her Doctorate degree from Barry University over 10 years ago. She then obtained extensive training in Sports Medicine, Podopediatric conditions and Biomechanics at Cedars Medical Center in Miami, Florida. Dr. Jaramillo-Dolan was then board certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery after completing extensive training in foot and ankle surgery at Benedictine Hospital in Kingston, NY. Dr. Jaramillo-Dolan is also highly trained in Diabetic Limb Salvage, wound care and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Finally being fluent in both English and Spanish has aided her success in private practice at Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center.