Cold and influenza (flu) season is upon us. Don’t be surprised if you or your fellow inmates begin to develop runny noses, coughs or fevers in the next few months. There are differences between a cold and the flu. One of the key differences is that the flu kills over 20,000 Americans each year-most are over 65 years old. The flu causes over 114,000 hospitalizations each year, and kids under 2 are as likely as those over 65 to be hospitalized. Most importantly, the flu can be prevented with vaccination and the cold cannot. 50% of the San Quentin inmates consented to be vaccinated on October 28. If you haven’t been vaccinated, it is not too late-ask your provider to vaccinate you. The more of us who are vaccinated, the fewer who are likely to become sick with the flu, and the less likely it is that San Quentin will experience huge flu outbreaks this winter.
This table below describes the differences in symptoms between flu and the common cold. Both are viruses and are spread by coughing, sneezing and by touching your eyes, nose and mouth with dirty hands. Washing your hands frequently and covering your cough are simple actions you can take to protect you and your fellow inmates and visitors.