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1. Are indoor pools safe in a thunderstorm?

No, both indoor and outdoor pools are unsafe because a strike to any part of the complex will have a significant effect on all of it. The NCAA and YMCA both have policies that mandate evacuation of indoor pools in the event of a thunderstorm. While there have not been any recorded deaths as a result of swimming indoors during a lightning storm, isn’t it best to play it safe.

For more information visit the national Lightning Safety Institute online.

2. Is it really necessary to evacuate a swimming pool when lightning threatens?

The issue is not always the small area of the pool itself, but all of the connections with the pool at the facility. The mistake people make is remaining in the pool area with lightning nearby. Leaving the water is not the end of the storm, but the beginning of lightning safety.

A flash can hit a power or phone pole outside the pool, or it can hit part of the structure itself. A cloud-to-ground flash to the pool complex can then travel easily through standing water, plumbing, wiring, fences, and phones to affect many, most, or all people at the facility.

For more information, visit the National Servere Storms Laboratory online.

3. What is the difference between seasonal flu and stomach flu?

Seasonal Flue (influenza virus) is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system and it usually lasts 1-2 weeks. Symptoms include headache, fever (usually high), extreme tiredness, dry cough sore throat, runny / stuffy nose and muscle aches.

The Stomach Flue (viral gastroenteritis) is a viral infections that affects the stomach and small intestine and usually lasts 1-3 days. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, mild fever, fatigue, chills and muscle aches.

4. How can I prevent influenza?

The single best way to prevent influenza is to get a flu vaccination each year. There are 2 types of vaccines. The 1st, the “flu shot”, is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed viruses) that is given with a needle. The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.

The 2nd, the nasal-spray, a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses (sometimes called LAIV for “live attenuated influenza vaccine”) that do not cause the flu. LAIV is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.

About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses. You cannot get the flu from the vaccine. However, flu vaccine will not protect you from other lung infections, such as colds and bronchitis.

5. How does Influenza (flu) spread?

Influenza viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with Influenza viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop, and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

6. What are some complications that can result from Influenza?

Complications resulting from the flu may include pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes

7. What is the flu?

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent Influenza is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

Every year in the United States, an average of 5-20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from Influenza complications, and about 36,000 people die from it. Some people, such as the elderly, young children, and people with certain health conditions are at high risk for serious Influenza complications.

8. What if my child did not get her shots when she was supposed to, or has gotten behind schedule?

If you have children who did not begin their immunizations at 2 months of age or who have had only some of their shots, they can still be fully immunized. It is never too late to start getting immunizations. If your child has only had some of his/her shots, he/she does not have to start over. The shots already given will count. We will continue the schedule where they left off.

If you have children who were not immunized when they were infants, contact your doctor or the Adams County Health Department. The public health nurses will be able to tell you when to bring your children in for their shots and what shots they need.

9. Why are infant and childhood immunizations so important?

These shots protect children from diseases such as Measles, Mumps, Rubella (German measles), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough), Polio, Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib), Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal infections, Rotovirus, Influenza, and Chickenpox.

By getting your child immunized, you will be fighting disease in 2 ways. 1st, you will be protecting your own child. 2nd, since healthy children don’t spread disease, you will be protecting other children as well.