Source: The Eagle, Bryan, TexasDec.迷你倉 29--Much of the discussion -- often heated -- during this year has been about the Affordable Care Act, known more popularly as Obamacare. Republicans in the House of Representatives voted more than 40 times to get rid of it, even before it was to start. Then, when the opening day to enroll arrived on Oct. 1, virtually no one could sign up.In one of the most massive failures in government history, the system was overwhelmed and it took two months to sort out many of the problems. At years end, the system was working relatively well and people were able to enroll, with some deadlines extended to address the problems Americans encountered.As we prepare to start a new year, health matters again are making news, with deadly consequences.Influenza is spreading throughout Texas, with 13 people in the Houston area dying from the disease, including one teenager who was infected with the H1N1 strain of the virus. State health officials say 95 percent of the cases reported in Texas so far are the H1N1, or swine flu, strain.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say Texas is one of four states with a "high" incidence of flu-like symptoms. The other states are Missouri, Mississippi and Alabama. Louisiana and Oklahoma aren't far behind.The flu is particularly dangerous for the elderly, young children and those with health issues. For everyone, though, battling the flu is not fun. Many people with flu will experience a fever and chills. Other symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nosemini storage muscle aches, headaches and fatigue.Sadly, the flu is easy to pass on to others. In fact, you can spread the disease a day before your first symptoms show up, and up to a week after you notice you are ill, according to the CDC in Atlanta. People with the virus can affect others six feet or more away when they cough.So, what to do. The CDC and almost every doctor strongly recommends people get an annual flu shot. This year's version reportedly is quite effective in stopping the flu bug. If you already have had your short this year, good for you. We all thank you. If you haven't, there still is time.But don't wait. Doctors say it takes up to two weeks after the shot to develop full immunity. Thus, the longer you delay, the greater the chance you will get the flu. Don't wait; get your flu shot before the end of the year.Even with the shot, it is wise to follow some common-sense precautions. Stay away from sick people if at all possible. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Sing Happy Birthday or Yankee Doodle to time yourself. Clean the surfaces you touch frequently.Turn your head and cough into your sleeve. Get adequate nutrition and sleep. Stay active.Most important, if you are sick, please, please stay home. Wherever you work will get along without you for a few days.A few simple precautions will go a long way toward keeping you healthy and flu-free,Copyright: ___ (c)2013 The Eagle (Bryan, Texas) Visit The Eagle (Bryan, Texas) at .theeagle.com Distributed by MCT Information Services儲存
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