Local doctors share
fi ve ways to avoid fl u
BY NANCY BOSTROM
Widespread fl u is reported in New York and New Jersey right now plus infl uenza like illnesses
are at high levels in nearly 20 states. Health offi cials say that means you can expect more people to
get sick in the next few weeks.
Physicians with American Family Care (AFC), a national urgent care franchise with a clinic
in your area, are seeing positive fl u tests, as well as patients suffering from either a cold or a winter
mystery virus (adenovirus) that looks a lot the fl u.
AFC docs are explaining to families that each is a respiratory virus but the fl u stands out in several
ways, like symptoms come on abruptly and it can turn fatal.
“The fl u is serious business, so you cannot ignore the symptoms. Last season the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention recorded 80,000 deaths, which was the deadliest season in 40 years,”
says Dr. Benjamin Barlow, chief medical offi cer of American Family Care. “We are still early on
in this fl u season, as it usually doesn’t peak until March. Of course, the best way to protect yourself
is to get vaccinated.”
In addition to getting a fl u shot, AFC physicians advise taking a few every day preventive measures
to boost your chances of avoiding the fl u.
Five Habits That Help You Prevent the Flu:
1. Avoid sharing pens. Whether at work or signing a credit card receipt at a store, never pick
up a public pen because they’re covered with other people’s germs. Keep a pen handy for any situation
that could pop up.
2. Knuckle it. When using a debit card machine, get into the habit of punching in your card pin
with a knuckle instead of a fi ngertip. This way if you rub your eye or mouth with your fi ngertip,
you’re not transferring germs. 3. Play it safe at the pump. Drivers must get gas for their vehicles
no matter what, sick or not. Protect yourself at the pump, grab a paper towel before picking up the
gas nozzle. You can also use the paper towel as a barrier when punching in your debit/credit card
info. 4. Shake and Wash. People are more germ-conscious these days so avoiding a handshake is
not as rude as once thought, especially during fl u season. If you must do it, wash or sanitize with
your hands immediately.
5. Hands off, please! You are constantly using either your phone or computer tablet to show
friends and coworkers pictures or videos. This means other people are putting their germs on something
you are constantly touching. Get into the habit of wiping your phone down with a disinfecting
wipe to cut down on spreading germs. OR just text your friends photos and videos!
Fast Flu Facts:
Children under the age of 6, pregnant women and adults 65 or older are at high risk for serious
fl u complications like infl ammation of the heart, brain or muscle tissues or multi-organ failure.
Most experts think fl u viruses spread mainly by droplets made when someone with fl u coughs,
sneezes or talks. They can infect you from six feet away.
People can carry the virus and risk exposing others when they show little symptoms.
Frequently touched surfaces at work or school should be cleaned and disinfected especially if
someone is ill.
Flu activity monitored by CDC, check link for cases in your area: https://www.cdc.gov/fl u/
weekly/index.htm#ILIMap
Is it fl u, a cold or an adenovirus?
Signs & Symptoms Infl uenza Cold Adenovirus
Symptom Onset Abrup Gradual Gradual
Fever Usual Rare Common
Aches Usual Slight Sometimes
Chills Fairly common Uncommon Sometimes
Fatigue Usual Sometimes Sometimes
Sneezing Sometimes Common Common
Stuffy nose Sometimes Common Common
Sore throat Sometimes Common Common
Chest discomfort, cough Common Mild-moderate Sometimes
Headache Common Rare Sometimes
Last December, the City Council voted to approve Intro 370, Councilman
Rafael Salamanca’s bill which would add Three Kings Day to
the list of recognized holidays where alternate side parking rules
are suspended.
(Above) Councilman Salamanca (back, r) joined others in commemorating
Benedetto sponsors Driver Safety Program
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, J 24 ANUARY 11-17, 2019 BTR
SALAMANCA COMMEMORATES 3 KINGS DAY
- Notice of Public Hearing -
On Thursday, January 17,
Bronx Community Board 10
will conduct a Public Hearing
in the matter of applications,
submitted by Blondell Equities
LLC pursuant to Sections 197-
c, 199 and 201 of the New York
City Charter for an amendment
of the Zoning Map, Section
No. 4b and Section 5-430
et seq. of the New York City
Administrative Code for an
amendment to the City Map
involving:
• changing from an M1-1
District to an R7A District
property bounded by Ponton
Avenue, a line 230 feet northeasterly
of Blondell Avenue,
Westchester Avenue, and
Blondell Avenue; an
• establishing within the
proposed R7A District a C2-4
District bounded by Ponton
Avenue, a line 230 feet northeasterly
of Blondell Avenue,
Westchester Avenue, and
Blondell Avenue;
• the elimination, discontinuance
and closing of Fink
Avenue between Blondell Avenue
and Waters Avenue; and
• the adjustment of grades
necessitated thereby;
Anyone wishing to speak
may register prior to the start
of the hearing.
The public hearing will
take place prior to the general
board meeting on Thursday,
January 17, at 7 p.m., at
Jeanne Jugan Residence, 2999
Schurz Avenue,.
Please contact the board offi
ce at (718) 892 1161 with any
questions.
To request access or other
accommodations, please contact
Community Board 10 at
(718) 892-1161 or bx10@cb.nyc.
gov at least 72 hours before the
Public Hearing.
As a service to his constituents,
Assemblyman Michael
Benedetto will be sponsoring
an New York State DMV Approved
Insurance Reduction
Program.
The NYS DMV Approved
Insurance Reduction Program
will be held on Saturday,
February 9, from 9:30
am to 4:30 p.m.
This NYS DMV Approved
Insurance Reducation Program
will be held at the Fort
Schuyler House, located at
3077 Cross Bronx Expressway.
Registration for this
class begins on Monday, January
14.
To reserve a seat, please
call the ssemblyman’s offi ce
at (718) 892-2235.
The cost is for this class is
$29. Space is limited.
This 6-hour course will
refresh your driving knowledge
with a review of timetested
safe driving tips.
Those who complete the
course will receive a reduction
of approximately 10 percent
from the base rate of
automobile and motorcycle
liability premiums each year
for three years.
Three Kings Day.
Photo courtesy of Councilman Rafael Salamanca’s Offi ce
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