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
December 26
1873 - Vasquez gang raids Kingston in (now) Kings County; ties up townspeople, makes off with $2,500 in cash and jewels [story]
Kingston


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 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 says:

    Two words… Flu Shot

    • 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 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 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 says:

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

  14. 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 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
Thursday, Dec 26, 2024
Santa Clarita is a special place. It is the city where I chose to make my home, raise my family and now serve the community as a city councilmember.
Monday, Dec 23, 2024
The new year is just around the corner and with the change of the calendar, we will be in the homestretch of the city’s Strategic Plan, Santa Clarita 2025 (SC2025).
Friday, Dec 20, 2024
Friday, Dec 20, 2024
Every year at my Foster Youth Holiday Party, it seems like the presents and kids’ smiles get bigger and bigger!
Thursday, Dec 19, 2024
Reflecting on this past year, there are so many things to be thankful for. Whether it is our health, happiness or the ability to live in a community as special as ours, I believe many of our residents would agree that Santa Clarita is a place where wonderful memories have been made and a unique place to call home.
Monday, Dec 16, 2024
This Sunday, Dec. 15, the city of Santa Clarita will mark its 37th birthday.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a residential No Burn Day Alert on Friday, Dec. 27 for all those living in the South Coast Air Basin, which includes the Santa Clarita Valley.
Dec. 27: No Burn Day Declared for Santa Clarita Valley
The Saugus High School Instrumental Music Program is hosting its third annual Clothes for Cash fundraising event 9 a.m.- Noon Saturdays, Jan. 11, 18 and 25 at Saugus High School.
Saugus High Marching Centurions Cloths for Cash
Did you receive great new electronic gifts for the holidays? Awesome! Now where can you safely dispose of the old stuff? Where to take phones, TVs, computers, portable devices and more?
Jan. 11-12: WiSH Education Foundation Hosts Free E-WASTE Event
Santa Clarita is a special place. It is the city where I chose to make my home, raise my family and now serve the community as a city councilmember.
Patsy Ayala | Connecting With the Community
The Wish Education Foundation Wednesday Webinar series continues on Wednesday, Jan. 15 with "Trends in College Admissions and ROI on Majors."
Jan. 15: WiSH Webinar on Latest Trends in College Admission
As the New Year approaches Santa Clarita Valley residents can enjoy a few New Year's Eve and New Year's Day events in the SCV.
New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day Fun in the SCV
The MAIN will present "Heaven Can Wait" by Terrance Carty, showing Friday, Jan. 10-12 at 24266 Main St., Santa Clarita, CA 91321.
Jan. 10-12: The MAIN Presents ‘Heaven Can Wait’
The Docent Training Program at Placerita Canyon Nature Center, led by Ron K will welcome the next generation of nature enthusiasts to orientation on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Jan. 14: Placerita Canyon Nature Center Docent Class Begins 12-Week Training
The American Red Cross will host a blood drive Friday, Dec. 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Santa Clarita Sports Centre, 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
Dec. 27: Blood Drive at Santa Clarita Sports Centre
The application cutoff for the next WomansNet $10,000 Amber Grant for businesses owned by women is Dec. 31.
Dec. 31: Deadline to Apply for Next WomensNet $10,000 Amber Grant
The Cube – Ice and Entertainment Center | Powered by FivePoint Valencia has opened registration for its learn to skate sessions for January and February.
Registration for Skate Classes Open at The Cube
SCV Water is asking customers to refrain from all outdoor water use during the weeks of Jan. 6-13 and Jan. 27-Feb. 3 due to scheduled maintenance on facilities at Castaic Lake that will restrict the agency’s imported water supply.
Jan. 6-13, Jan. 27-Feb. 3: DWR Maintenance to Restrict SCV Water Supply
College of the Canyons men's basketball was the victim of an 82-79 road loss at Rio Hondo College on Wednesday, Dec. 18, with the Cougars falling despite a 22-point performance from Justin Perez.
COC Falls 82-79 in Final Seconds at Rio Hondo
1873 - Vasquez gang raids Kingston in (now) Kings County; ties up townspeople, makes off with $2,500 in cash and jewels [story]
Kingston
Marianne Paris Sneider, a beloved long-time friend and patron of the Roar Foundation, died on July 21. Her generous spirit is reflected in her estate plan, which provides for a gift of $100,000 to the Roar Foundation in honor of Tippi Hedren, provided that the Roar Foundation receives $100,000 in matching grants within one year of her death.
Roar Foundation Matching Grant Opportunity
More than a dozen Val Verde and Castaic residents and community leaders came together on Tuesday, Dec. 17, to decry the “inaction and lack of concern” of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors around the public health emergency in the "diverse" community around the Chiquita Canyon Landfill operated by Waste Connections.
Residents Protest Chiquita Canyon at Board of Supes Meeting
1852 - Acton gold mine owner & California Gov. Henry Tifft Gage born in New York [story]
Henry Gage
The Gibbon Conservation Center in Saugus is offering the 2025 Gibbon Calendar for $15 plus $5 shipping. Purchasing a calendar or other items from the Gibbon Center Gift Shop helps support the care and feeding of the endangered small apes living at the Gibbon Conservation Center in Saugus.
Gibbon Conservation Center Offers 2025 Gibbon Calendar
Exercising its mandate to improve transparency and accountability in law enforcement, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission has created a special committee to investigate how the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department handles complaints made by members of the public against its deputies.
Oversight Panel Probes Sheriff Dept. Handling of Complaints Against Deputies
Four students from California Institute of the Arts Character Animation program have been awarded scholarships by ASIFA-Hollywood’s Animation Educators Forum for the 2024-25 academic year.
CalArts Student Animators Win AEF Scholarships
On Sunday, Dec. 15, nearly 2,000 people dressed in their favorite holiday outfits attended the Metrolink Holiday Express Train at the city of Santa Clarita’s Vista Canyon Multi-Modal Center in Canyon Country.
Holiday Joy Filled Santa Clarita Metrolink Express Train
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is advising residents to not feed their pets raw food following a voluntary recall of Northwest Naturals Brand 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe Raw & Frozen Pet Food due to detection of H5 bird flu virus in product samples.
Public Health Warns Against Feeding Pets Raw Food
The joy of the holiday season can quickly be ruined by scams, theft and fraud. Before you make a purchase or a donation it’s important to use caution. To help you navigate safely through the holidays
Beware Holiday Season Scams, Theft, Fraud
The City of Santa Clarita invites the community to come together for a Unity Walk in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350, on Monday, Jan.20 at 8 a.m.
Jan. 20: MLK Day Unity Walk at Central Park
SCVNews.com