Some people are unaware of the potential dangers of spreading the flu, especially if it’s just a “mild” case of it.
As a result, it’s easy to forget to take extra precautions when in public, such as covering a cough, etc., because the symptoms might not be that severe or you’ve had it for a long time.
However, forgetting to practice these courtesies can have bad results for others.
As of the latest Washington Department of Health flu assessment, 157 people (in the state of Washington) have died from a lab-confirmed, flu-associated death.
According to the Center for Disease Control’s influenza surveillance report, dated Feb. 3, 2018, Washington state is still in an “elevated” status with the death of one child younger than 4 years of age.
Overall in the country, though, the numbers of children’s deaths have been higher.
Staying with the original point of this letter: It seems reasonable and fair to do our best to keep any deaths — especially those of children — from happening.
Even if you don’t feel particularly poorly, but may have just a “mild” case, that still means that you might be giving someone else the flu, which may have more severe consequences.
Please be considerate and cover your cough or sneeze no matter how minimal it seems, and if you have a fever, please stay at home and safeguard the health of others, as well as your own.
Elizabeth Snipe,
Port Angeles