LEBANON, N.H. -
The flu is getting closer to home; it's now widespread in almost every state. But ABC22/FOX44 is trying to keep you informed so that you can stay healthy. Last night we told you about what hospitals in Vermont are experiencing, and now, we go across the border to take a look at what's happening in New Hampshire.
"It basically comes in like a freight train," Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Doctor Robert McLellan said.
Like the flu, the number of cases across the nation have come in fast, and early.
"I do anticipate that we will be seeing more flu in the next few days than we are currently," Dr. McLellan said.
Although quiet in the Upper Valley, 14 people, all 65 and older have died in other parts of New Hampshire already this flu season.
"It kills up to about 50,000 people every year," Dr. McLellan said.
Doctors say the best way to avoid getting sick is the flu shot, and it's not too late to get one. I checked in with Fletcher Allen, Central Vermont Medical, and Dartmouth Hitchcock… they all have plenty of the vaccine available.
"One of the tricky things about the flu is you can actually transmit the flu a day, up to about 24 hours before you even know you have the flu," Dr. McLellan said.
While things are relatively calm at Dartmouth Hitchcock, there is a plan in place should things get worse. Doctors describe this as the calm before the storm because so many areas around us are seeing widespread cases of the flu.
Dartmouth Hitchcock has already started asking visitors to stay away if they're sick, and could even start screening people at the door. Because if you're sick, and don't have an already compromised immune system... stay home!
"Keep yourself hydrated, all of the TLC that one would normally do if you feel pretty lousy," Dr. McLellan said.
Doctors say you're contagious for up to ten days, but if you just can't take that much time off of work, you can usually return about 24 hours after your fever breaks. Just wear a mask, wash your hands, and keep your distance!
