header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
April 16
1962 - Walt Disney donates bison herd to Hart Park [story]
Bison


Take a Hike | Commentary by Dianne Erskine-Hellrigel
| Sunday, Jan 11, 2015

DianneErskineHellrigelInfluenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that is caused by many different influenza viruses.

If you have the flu, you may experience multiple symptoms which might include coughing, a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, fever, headache and extreme tiredness.

Across the country, we see as many as 200,000 hospitalizations every year due to the flu. Doctors recommend that everyone 6 months or older receive their annual flu vaccine as soon as it is available. Even if the strain of the virus isn’t 100-percent correctly predicted, the vaccine can still help you fight off the effects of the flu.

Health care workers, the elderly, those with chronic health conditions, the immunocompromised, children under 5, and pregnant women are especially susceptible to the flu.

Bird flu virusPracticing good health habits all year can help you to avoid the flu. Simple things like washing your hands and covering your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze will help prevent the spread of the flu. Teach your children to do these simple things and to avoid being near people who are coughing and sneezing.

Although antibiotics will not work for influenza, if you seek medical attention immediately (within 2 days of infection), your doctor can prescribe an antiviral medication that can help you get over the virus a little quicker.

493x335_nighttime_cough_rmqThere are many other viruses that may cause similar symptoms. Only your doctor will be able to determine if you have been infected with the influenza virus. Don’t delay in seeking your doctor’s advice. And if you have a change in your symptoms, such as a productive cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

If you’ve not gotten your flu vaccine yet, it is not too late. It is predicted that the severity of the flu might get even worse this season, and we’ve already been seeing deaths from the flu. Underlying medical conditions, your age, and being pregnant means you need to take even more precautions.

Los Angeles County health officials expect the influenza severity to peak in January or February. If you get sick, get evaluated by your doctor quickly. Last season’s flu outbreak killed 404 Californians. Don’t be a statistic.

 

Dianne Erskine-Hellrigel is executive director of the Community Hiking Club and president of the Santa Clara River Watershed Conservancy. If you’d like to be part of the solution, join the Community Hiking Club’s Stewardship Committee. Contact Dianne through communityhikingclub.org or at zuliebear@aol.com.

 

map011115

 

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

46 Comments

  1. Eric Baker Eric Baker says:

    I have it.. Been over a month now…

  2. Anyone with these symptoms for more than a week should seek medical attention……..pneumonia is deadly!

  3. IM THE GREEN DOT! Stomach Flu! Not fun at all! Got so sick I was dehydrated, sweating, and passed out! It is not fun!

    • Hope you’re feeling better. My son has that. How long did yours last?

    • I am thank you! Back still has a bruise when I passed out and hit the shower handle! It hit me real quick! Started feeling like crap around 8:30pm, started getting sick around 9:00pm, by 11:00pm I was in the ambulance, and at 5:00am I was finally on my way home! Been a little on the weak side the past couple days but over all I’m fine! :)

  4. I wish more people would try Zinc; Prevents, lessons symptoms if already sick, speeds recovery. Turned on to it a few years ago and has been a miracle in our home pretty much. Many cold products “contain” Zinc, but you can get just Zinc. Nature Made for one, makes dissolving Zinc tablets that are awesome.

    • Zinc shouldn’t be ingested unless you have a deficiency or have a need for surplus, as taking high doses can cause a copper deficiency. We get all the zinc we should normally need from wheat and beans, amongst other foods.

    • You are on the right track…zinc rapidly heals soft tissue injuries.. also it’s best not to catch anything in the first place so when I hear something going around I start adding fresh garlic and a dash of cayenne to a cup of soup…like a welcoming committee in case of foreign invaders…also…primadophilus coats your intestinal wall so toxins pass out and thru without taking up resudence…cold and flu. Free 30 yrs now…also an ounce of prevention really is worth more then a pound of cure…!

    • Many people are highly allergic to it myself and daughter included. As a nurse consult with your MD and a registered dietician. Find zinc naturally in foods.

  5. I been battling this flu for 3 months :'(

  6. Only a little Coughing .
    I don’t no if a have the
    Bad one.

  7. Only a little Coughing .
    I don’t no if a have the
    Bad one.

  8. Only a little Coughing .
    I don’t no if a have the
    Bad one.

  9. Cathy Daglas Cathy Daglas says:

    Two words… Flu Shot

    • Terry Morse Terry Morse says:

      Every time I suggest to someone to get a flu shot, I am told that they always get the flu from the shot itself. Even though every medical professional will tell you that the shot contains dead virus.

    • It’s because they think the flu is throwing up, fever and aches..

    • Just BECAUSE THEY TELL U IT’S A DEAD VIRUS U GONNa believe them !? C’mon it’s obvious to see the flu shot IS what’s making people sick , why do u think they pressure everyone to get it ….they want us infected that’s all ur doing ! ,…. Just ask urself this simple ? Why do people STILL get sick from the flu shot if its supposedly a dead virus!!??? It doesn’t make sense !

    • Cathy Daglas Cathy Daglas says:

      Tens of thousands of people die from the flu each year. Not one person has died from the flu shot.

  10. I’m one of the blue dots.. Upper respiratory problems .. Had it since 12/30 just got better a couple days ago

  11. Jason Fox Jason Fox says:

    Got it. Sucks. 2 weeks now

  12. I had it for almost two months. Two trips to urgent care and two,antibiotic courses finally I got well by new year.

  13. Ana Gigi Ana Gigi says:

    Yup. Could also be deadly. Not to take lightly. Just take precautions. And carry on.

  14. Alex Huerta Alex Huerta says:

    I think I had this no joke , like 3 weeks for real. I’m 100 now finally !!

  15. Melissa Humboldt…dusty. Lol

  16. Oh yes, I’m a blue dot….its been going on for three weeks. It’s the cough that is killing me now.

  17. Hani Yacoub Hani Yacoub says:

    Sunny Sidhu Ibrahim Nashaat Ibrahim Magdyy Ibrahim Wissam Saab Ahmad Yacoub

  18. Sherry Alanis Barajas

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Monday, Apr 15, 2024
Cowboy Festival weekend is upon us!
Thursday, Apr 11, 2024
Have you ever wanted to journey to another country to experience an array of new and unique cultures and customs?
Tuesday, Apr 9, 2024
In bustling Santa Clarita, where many residents lead busy lives and often feel divided and disconnected, there is a growing need for spaces that bring people together, fostering community and hope.
Monday, Apr 8, 2024
Each spring the city of Santa Clarita proudly showcases its cowboy culture and pays homage to its rich Western heritage during the one-of-a-kind Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival.
Thursday, Apr 4, 2024
Springtime, with all its blossoms and lovely weather is a popular time to get married. If you are looking to say “I do” at this picturesque time of year, look no further than City Hall Ceremonies.
Wednesday, Apr 3, 2024
It is anticipated that the three bylaw changes proposed by the CIF Sports Medicine Advisory Committee will pass this coming Friday, April 5 at the State CIF Federated Council meeting.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1962 - Walt Disney donates bison herd to Hart Park [story]
Bison
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit affirmed a $68.5 million judgment Monday for SCV Water for the cleanup of local groundwater contamination in its case against the Whittaker Corporation.
Federal Appeals Court Upholds SCV Water Judgment Against Whittaker
Angelo Aleman smacked a pair of home runs as College of the Canyons concluded its three-game series vs. Antelope Valley College with a 10-5 home victory at Mike Gillespie Field on Friday. 
Cougars Defeat Antelope Valley College 10-5
Castaic Union School District is thrilled to announce that Lara Frandzel has been selected to participate in the Teacher Innovator Institute at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C
Castaic Educator Selected for Smithsonian’s Teacher Innovator Institute
The city of Santa Clarita’s exciting Concerts in the Park series, presented by Logix Federal Credit Union, makes its highly anticipated return this summer for friends, families and neighbors to gather under the evening sky and enjoy free, live musical performances on Saturdays from July 6 to Aug. 24, at Central Park, located at 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road.
City Releases 2024 Concerts in the Park Lineup
The Master's University men's volleyball team left no doubt about it as they swept the OUAZ Spirit 25-22, 25-14, 25-22 in the season finale Saturday in The MacArthur Center.
Mustangs Capture First GSAC Season Title
Join the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District online for an engaging conversation with experts in the field as they discuss the latest advancements and future trends in vector control Monday, April 15, from 6 p.m to 7:30 p.m.
Register Now for Greater L.A. County Vector Control Fireside Chat
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Child & Family Center is presenting a series of four seminars for parents and caregivers of children and teens.
Child & Family Center Offering Mental Health Seminar Series
The University Student Union at California State University, Northridge is helping Matadors keep their peace during finals season with Crunch Time.
Matadors Gearing Up for Finals at CSUN’s ‘Crunch Time’
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has been notified by the California Department of Public Health of one case of measles in a non-Los Angeles County resident who traveled throughout Los Angeles County from Saturday, March 30 to Sunday, April 1.
L.A. County Sites Identified for Possible Measles Exposure
California Department of Transportation, along with Valencia-based C.A. Rasmussen, continues to make progress on the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing.
Wildlife Crossing Construction Prompts 101 Overnight Closures
The Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival is expanding its 2024 Summer Season to include a weekend of performances at the MAIN in July by members of this summer’s youth Shakespeare Camp.
Youth Show Added to Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival
The 28th Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival makes its anticipated return to William S. Hart Park, located at 24141 Newhall Avenue, this upcoming weekend!
City Announces Cowboy Festival Road Closures
With the federal and state deadlines for filing and paying taxes approaching in three days, Los Angeles County is also renewing its focus on taxes, with a special focus on enhancing its property tax correction and reimbursement processes.
L.A. County Aims to Speed Up Property Tax Corrections
The Los Angeles County Development Authority will be accepting registrants for its Senior and Family Public Housing Site-Based Waiting Lists, including Orchard Arms Senior Apartments in Valencia, from April 15, 8 a.m. through April 30, 11:59 p.m., or until a sufficient number of registrations have been received, whichever occurs first.
Orchard Arms Senior Housing Waitlist Now Open
Live jazz music, entertainment by talented William S. Hart Union High School District Students, music by Lance Allyn, be treated to happy hour, plus six seated courses - each one created by a different chef from your favorite local restaurants and paired with fabulous wines, local and statewide.
Wine on the Roof Tickets Still Available
Local realtor, Racquel Wilder, is hosting a free community paper shredding event Sunday, April 21, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., in the parking lot of Congregation Beth Shalom.
April 21: Free Community Paper Shredding Event
1954 - Frank Sinatra, Sterling Hayden on streets of Newhall for filming of "Suddenly" [story]
Frank Sinatra
2014 - "Become Ocean" by John Luther Adams (CalArts BFA 1973) named winner of 2014 Pulitzer Prize in Music [story]
John Luther Adams
A special meeting of the William S. Hart Union High School District’s Governing Board will be held 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17. It will be followed by the regular meeting of the Hart Board at 7 p.m.
April 17: Hart District to Choose Search Firm, Offer Hart Mascot Presentation
1935 - Gladys Carter convicted of manslaughter in fatal shooting of Frances Walker, of the Placerita Walkers [story]
Gladys Carter
The Santa Clarita Planning Commission will hold its regular meeting Tuesday, April 16, at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd. 1st Floor, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
April 16: Planning Commission to Discuss Town Center Specific Plan
Hundreds of residents joined the Santa Clarita City Council and dignitaries on Saturday, Aprl 6, for the grand opening of the city’s newest amenity, Skyline Ranch Park. Marking the 38th park in the community, the 10.5-acre park offers activities for everyone.
Santa Clarita Opens 38th Park, Skyline Ranch Park
SCVNews.com