 |
|
|
|
Welcome to the
American Red Cross
of Greater Westfield
Greater Westfield Chapter of the Red Cross
48 Broad St.
Westfield, MA. 01085
Gifts That Save The Day
In this season of hope, give gifts in the name of your loved ones and provide help and hope to families in crisis all year long. Give toothbrushes, soap and
more to disaster victims.
Help Military celebrate the
holidays with a phone card.
Simple items that are essential
as families struggle to survive.
Support the American Red Cross and change a Life Starting with your own.
Seasonal Flu
Know the difference—A contagious
respiratory illness caused by influenza
(flu) viruses occurring every year. It affects an average of 5 percent to 20 percent of the U.S population by
causing mild to severe illness, and in
some instances can lead to death.
Epidemic—The rapid spread of a
disease that affects some or many
people in a community or region at the
same time.
Pandemic—An outbreak of a disease
that affects large numbers of people
throughout the world and spreads
rapidly.
H1N1 Influenza (swine flu)—H1N1
influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs
caused by type A influenza viruses that
cause regular outbreaks in pigs. People
do not normally get H1N1 influenza, but
human infections can and do happen.
H1N1 influenza viruses have been
reported to spread from person-to person.
Avian Influenza—Commonly known as bird flu, this strain of influenza virus is naturally occurring in birds. Wild birds
can carry the virus and may not get sick from it; however, domestic birds may become infected by the virus and often
die from it.
A flu vaccine is available in the U.S.
every year. Get your flu shot as soon as it is available for the best chance of protection.
Be aware of common flu symptoms:
• High fever
• Severe body aches
• Headache
• Extreme tiredness
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea (more
common in children than in adults)
• NOTE: Having all of these symptoms
doesn’t always mean that you have the
flu. Many different illnesses have
similar symptoms.
Diagnosing the flu:
• It may be difficult to tell if you are
suffering from the flu or another
illness.
• Your health care provider may be
able to tell you if you have the flu.
• If you develop flu-like symptoms and
are concerned about possible
complications, consult your health care
provider.
Potential risks and serious
complications of the flu:
• Bacterial pneumonia
• Dehydration
• Worsening of chronic medical
conditions
• Ear infections
• Sinus problems
Are you considered high risk for flu-related complications?
• The following groups of people are at an increased risk:
people age 50 or older, pregnant
women,
people with chronic medical conditions, c
children age 6 months and older and
people who live with or care for anyone at high risk.
• People at high risk should have their vaccinations updated every year and receive
pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine if age 50 or older, as directed by their physician.
For more information on disaster and emergency preparedness,
Give and Get Involved Watch.....
You can help save someone's life by performing CPR because you've been certified. Or enjoy going to the beach without fear of drowning because you took Red Cross swimming lessons. Getting involved with the Red Cross leads to many possibilities. Here are some ways to give and get involved with the Red Cross:
Donate
You have the power to make a difference in someone's life. All you have to do is make a contribution. Every donation helps provide services to those in need. When disaster strikes, your contributions can help bring comfort to those in distress.
Volunteer
You can make a difference every day. You can help comfort victims of a house fire or teach a pet first aid class. Whether you are interested in community services, international services, disaster services or any of the other lines of services in the Red Cross, you'll find something that fits your niche.
Give Blood
You can help prevent-life threatening reactions of patients. Donor blood must be compatible with the recipient's blood, and it is very likely that a donor within the same racial/ethnic group will be a better match.
|
|
|
