Beech Tree News Network

Recently, my mom told me a story about her grandmother – one I had not heard before. During a flu epidemic, my great-grandmother helped people in her community who were sick and helped to “lay out” those who died as a result of the flu. Although in close contact with the flu, she didn’t get sick.

We don’t know in what year this flu outbreak occurred; but, my great-grandmother lived from 1871 to 1965, and her oldest child, my grandmother, was born in 1904. I researched U.S. flu pandemics during her lifetime. The most likely flu pandemic during my great-grandmother’s life was in 1918-1919. Illness from that flu season came on quickly. It was called the Spanish flu. Some felt fine in the morning, but died by nightfall. Some also died from complications, such as pneumonia. During this time, approximately 20 to 40% of the worldwide population became ill, and nearly 675,000 people died in the United States. Unlike normal seasonal flu outbreaks, this flu pandemic included high mortality rates among healthy adults; interestingly, the highest illness and mortality rates were among adults 20 to 50 years old. The reason for this remains unknown (http://www.flu.gov/pandemic/history/index.html).

This winter, flu has been widespread within the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend getting the annual flu vaccine, staying away from sick people, washing hands often to reduce the spread of germs, and if sick, staying home (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2014-2015.htm). The CDC website (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season.htm) explained that in the Northern hemisphere, winter is the season for flu, but timing and duration of the flu season varies. Seasonal flu outbreaks can occur as early as October or as late as May; but, most of the time, flu activity peaks between December and February.

My mom said that my great-grandmother believed she avoided getting the flu because of two practices: she lined her nose with Vaseline before leaving her house, and when she returned home, she changed her clothes and bathed. I asked friends and family if they had had the flu this season, and if not, what practices helped them avoid getting the flu. Some, including my middle daughter, have had the flu after getting the flu vaccine. Those who have avoided the flu said:
•    Hand washing and the flu shot.
•    Have not had the flu (really afraid to say that because now I’ll probably get it!). I take vitamins A-E daily and definitely have tried to avoid anyone who’s sick.
•    Haven’t had the flu…yet. I did get a flu shot, always do. I think I have just been lucky because I am not a paranoid hand-sanitizing person. It dries my skin out.
•    Haven’t had the flu – and hopefully won’t. Never have had a flu shot. I try to wash my hands more in the winter. Other than that, I really don’t think about it.
•    Wash, wash, wash hands.
•    Wash hand and get flu vaccine.
•    I did not get the flu because I was required to get the flu shot for nursing school. Thank goodness! In the future, if the flu shot is ever not required, I would definitely get the flu vaccine and get Lysol disinfectant for all the counters and such!
•    I don’t get the flu, and I’ve never had a flu shot. From the time I can remember until I was about 12, I was often really sick with sore throats. But, I kept my tonsils and might have built up some immunity. I have occasionally had a low-grade fever and felt a little achy; but, it has never been a full-blown case of flu. I don’t really have a good answer.
•    No practices, just got lucky and didn’t come up with it! Along with the flu shot.
•    Have not had the flu. Did take the flu shot. Take vitamins; try to eat healthy. Don’t really know.
•    No flu so far. I took the flu shot and wash my hands or use hand cleanser after shaking with others. Also, I try not to touch my face.
•    Had the flu shot and practice hand washing/sanitizing.
•    I have not had the flu this season. I did get the flu shot, and I use hand sanitizer and wash my hands regularly. After I left the doctor’s office last week, I came straight home and put my clothes in the washer and took a shower. I think things like that help.
•    I have not had the flu. I think that the vaccine helps, and I think being with kids every day helps to build up immunities.
•    Thankfully, we haven’t had the flu yet this year. Yes, we try to avoid sick people, use good hand washing, and such. But, the main thing I try to do every morning is pray over everyone. I pray for a hedge of protection around us because if we bring home sickness, my youngest daughter could end up in the hospital. I’m not saying we never get sick, but it has kept anything really bad out of the house. God is good!
•    No flu. I had the flu vaccine. I wash my hands, but probably not more than normal.
•    I have not had the flu. And, I only credit this to dumb luck and/or my merciful God.
•    No flu! I had the flu vaccine, stay away from sick people, wash hands and use hand sanitizer.

I’m not sure which year my great-grandmother worked with flu victims in her community, but I believe soap and water were her friends during that time. So far, I have avoided the flu; but, the flu season isn’t over yet. I’ve had a flu shot, I wash my hands often, and if I get sick, I will stay home. The CDC provides very good advice.