OPINION: Proponents of LD922 uninformed, not concerned

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Alewives by John Burrows (source: mainerivers.org)

COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

by Ursula Burke
Certified Water Monitor, Sheepscot Pond

It is alarming that those who favor passing bill LD922 are either uninformed or not concerned with the consequences of opening the fishway at the Sheepscot Pond dam to allow alewife herrings, American eels and sea lamprey eels access to the lake during spring spawning season.

Even the conservationists and environmentalists who tout restoring the historic spawning ground of native fish ignore history which will be repeated if this bill passes. During the 1970’s-80’s the fishway was opened and during seasons of low water levels sea lamprey eels became landlocked. They “wintered over” causing them to feed on the sport fish populations resulting in diminished catches and emaciated togue, landlocked salmon and bass.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife recognized the problem and closed the fishway during the spring spawning season. Now 30 some years later the lamprey population has diminished so that game fish are caught without lamprey wounds. They are healthier and of normal weight. The lake now hosts several fishing derbies every year.

If the supporters of LD922 were not distracted by the profit motive of alewife harvesting to supply bait for the lobster industry, they would take notice of the turnaround Sheepscot Pond has made and recognize the value of such a healthy and prolific lake to the community and all who now enjoy its recreational attributes not to mention supporting the tax base for Palermo.

LD922 offers us, the true stakeholders of Palermo and Sheepscot Pond, nothing but risk. It tramples on the rights of the “little guy” and feels downright un-American and wrong.

Have an opinion about something? You could be featured in our Community Commentary section! Send us an email at townline@fairpoint.net or visit our contact page.

Give Us Your Best Shot! Week of March 8, 2018

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To submit a photo for The Town Line’s “Give Us Your Best Shot” section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@fairpoint.net!

CLOSE UP: Joan Chaffee, of Clinton, snapped this loon in its nest last summer.

 

LOOKOUT BELOW: This squirrel doesn’t seem to know what to make of the mourning dove in a photo by Michael Bilinsky, of China Village.

A PLACE TO WATCH: This Cooper’s Hawk, photographed by Mark Berlinger, was seen sitting in a tree near Deana Glidden’s home, in South China.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Why – and How – to ‘Heart’ Your Kidneys, Every Day

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(NAPSI) — Many people don’t know it, but when your kidneys stop working, so do you. Your kidneys are as essential to life as other vital organs, such as your heart. Kidney healthy is also heart healthy, so when you “Heart Your Kidneys,” you also show love for your heart. That’s because the No. 1 cause of death in people with kidney disease is heart disease.

The Problem

More than 30 million American adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease, and most are unaware of it. One in three American adults is at risk for chronic kidney disease. It’s the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S., and growing in prevalence. For many people, dialysis or a transplant is needed just to stay alive.

What To Watch For

Risk factors for kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and a family history of kidney failure. People of African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian or Pacific Islander descent are at increased risk for developing the disease. African Americans are three times more likely than whites, and Hispanics are nearly 1½ times more likely than non-Hispanics, to develop end-stage renal disease, also known as kidney failure.

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) urges everyone with risk factors to speak with their doctor about taking the two simple tests, blood and urine, to check for kidney health. And if you don’t have major risk factors for chronic kidney disease, you should still discuss your kidney health with your doctor. Even if you inherit kidney disease, you may be able to slow its progression with lifestyle changes. You can join the conversation on social media and post #HeartYourKidneys. NKF is the largest, most comprehensive and long-standing organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease.

What To Do About It

On World Kidney Day, March 8, throughout March—National Kidney Month—and at any time of year, NKF says, all Americans should “Heart Your Kidneys” by following some simple tips.

“Eat right, exercise, drink water, and keep your kidneys healthy, because whatever you’re good at, there’s only one you,” says 10-year-old “America’s Got Talent” singer, kidney transplant recipient, and first-ever NKF Kid Ambassador Angelica Hale in a new “Heart Your Kidneys” video public service announcement.

At age 4, Angelica’s kidneys failed. Her mother, Eva Hale, donated one of her own kidneys to her daughter to save her life. Today, both mother and daughter are healthy. Angelica has also become NKF’s newest kidney advocate on Capitol Hill at the Kidney Patient Summit in Washington, D.C., by supporting NKF legislative priorities.

Fast Kidney Facts

  • Your kidneys are located in the back just below your rib cage.
  • Each of your kidneys is about the size of your fist.
  • The kidneys’ major function is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the body.
  • Kidney disease usually affects both kidneys.
  • Nearly 100,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for a kidney transplant.

Learn More

For more information about kidney health, visit www.kidney.org.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Great Blue Herons struggle on coast, hold their own inland

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

We see them everywhere on our lakes. They are long, lean and stare at you from the shoreline or from tree tops. The Great Blue Heron.

The great blue heron, Ardea herodias, is found throughout most of North America, as far north as Alaska and the southern Canadian provinces in the summer months. In winter, the range extends south through Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean to South America. Birds east of the Rocky Mountains in the northern part of their range are migratory and winter in the coastal areas of the southern United States, Central America or northern South America. From the southern United States southwards, and on the lower Pacific coast, they are year-round residents. However, their hardiness is such that individuals often remain through cold northern winters, as well, so long as fish-bearing waters remain unfrozen (which may be the case only in flowing water such as streams, creeks, and rivers).

great blue heron

The great blue heron can adapt to almost any wetland habitat in its range. It may be found in numbers in fresh and saltwater marshes, mangrove swamps, flooded meadows, lake edges, or shorelines. It is quite adaptable and may be seen in heavily developed areas as long as they hold bodies of fish-bearing water.

Great blue herons rarely venture far from bodies of water, but are occasionally seen flying over upland areas. They usually nest in trees or bushes near water’s edge, often on islands (which minimizes the potential for predation) or partially isolated spots.

Great blue herons are widespread throughout Maine; however, a noticeable decline in their coastal nesting population has occurred since the 1980s. By enlisting volunteers, the Heron Observation Network of Maine, is able to cover what is probably three times more sites than the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife could cover should they do it alone.

In total, staff, contractors, and volunteers surveyed 139 colonies in 2017. With over 184 ground visits, 61 volunteers monitored nesting activity at 92 colonies. Staff and contractors monitored an additional 47 colonies through aerial surveys and ground visits.

Over 66 percent of colonies surveyed in 2017 were covered by volunteers. Coastal observations show a decline in coastal colonies with a slight increase showing for inland groups.

All the effort by volunteers, staff and contractors revealed similar results as in 2016. In 2017, they observed 60 active colonies with 629 nesting pairs. Since not all known colonies were surveyed, they typically assume that the latest survey data for those still stand, providing a more probable total of 838 nesting pairs among 81 active colonies statewide.

The number of nesting pairs on coastal islands is at its lowest level since the 1980s. With only 221 nesting pairs among seven islands, the coastal population is now down 82 percent since 1983. Since 2013, the 5-year average has been decreasing 8-16 percent each year. The inland population looks relatively stable, with small ups and downs since they began close monitoring in 2009. The average number of inland nesting pairs over the past nine years is 683. Since 2013, the 5-year average has been increasing by 1-2 percent each year.

However, the inland increases don’t make up for the losses on the coast, though there may be a lag time between the initiation of new colonies and when they become discovered. Volunteers discovered eight new colonies in 2017. Two of those colonies are within six miles of the large colony on Wreck Island (Muscongus Bay) that was lost in 2016. While these two colonies only contain 40 nesting pairs combined, they could represent some of the pairs from Wreck Island. Now, volunteers would like to find the other 60-80 pairs who abandoned that colony!

Coastal islands may no longer be preferred habitat for nesting great blue herons in Maine; however, the reasons for this change are not entirely clear. Disturbance, predators, and change in prey abundance could all be part of the equation. The Heron Observation Network of Maine will continue its monitoring efforts that, hopefully, will shed more light on this disturbing pattern.

This spring will mark the tenth anniversary of the Heron Observation Network of Maine. While they have gained invaluable information regarding the abundance and distribution of nesting great blue herons throughout the state of Maine, their work is not yet done. In 2020, they hope to repeat the Dual-Frame Aerial Survey conducted in 2015 to arrive at an updated population estimate, which in turn will give them trend information. In order for that survey to be a success, they will need to continue to collect data on as many colonies as possible between now and then. Thus, volunteers are still essential!

Reports of colonies are also essential. As colonies shift around the landscape, they need help discovering the new locations. If you know of a great blue heron colony, please don’t hesitate to report it to MDIFW. There is no harm in reporting a colony they already know about. In addition, they need more volunteers to help cover as many colonies as possible. Contact MDIFW if you are interested in joining the Heron Observation Network and monitoring a colony.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Name the three Boston Red Sox leftfielders who are enshrined in MLB’s Hall of Fame.

Answer here.

I’m Just Curious: My own experience

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by Debbie Walker

I have to tell you that I am permitted to carry a concealed weapon. I went through the check on who I am and do I have mental health problems that would interfere with practical use of a weapon.

I can buy a gun in local shops because I’m not in a big hurry, so I could wait a few days for approval, all done legally.

I really don’t understand what happened or who decided it was open season for school shootings. Shootings of all sorts, country concerts, etc., what was the reason? At any rate it is hard to understand any of it. However I have a story to tell you:

There was a time in Florida that I had a front row seat to life with a violent teenager. I believe he honestly didn’t know how to behave when his questions were answered with the word “NO.”

I followed the process through trying to get some help. The shocker was when I was told, “when he gets arrested they will get him some help.” Getting arrested was not my idea of “help” for a 15 year old. I figured he’d get quite an education from the more experienced! Can you imagine a parent being told, oh yeah, go ahead, and call the police on your teenager. “That’s the only way he/she will get help.”

I was at a NAMI meeting one night. NAMI is group support for these kinds of, mental health issues. We were all pretty depressed after we sat through this meeting. It was quite a letdown that day. These people had been in similar situation and things didn’t sound helpful.

Can you imagine the fear and frustration of a parent who tries again and again to get help for their child? Again and again they hear, “We’d like to be able to help but we don’t have ….”

So, you are a parent who knows their child is really in trouble (he/she is a mental health mess!). They keep trying to get help but there just isn’t anyone with an answer. After years of looking for mental health help for your child:

Now you have a phone call: your child’s school is in lockdown. You couldn’t get in if you went there. You have to wait and wait, quietly wondering if it is your child causing the lock down.

There really isn’t much relief when it’s announced this was a false alarm. The parent has already had those thoughts.

This is only about one type of situation and we all know there are many more. Just please don’t assume those parents haven’t gone through every avenue they could think of.

I know this cannot cover all the situations, it wasn’t intended to; just keep an open mind as you are looking for answers. I’m just curious how many other situations there are.

Thank you for reading, contact me a dwdaffy@yahoo.com. And don’t forget we are online too!

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Few listen to old 78 records

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

The number of record collectors who listen to the dusty old 78s are few when one considers the general population but, if gathered in a convention hall from around the world, could fill it. The dealers hawking them on Ebay, popsike and other venues plus the Facebook pages testify to the interest, even, unbelievably, among young people born after Bush 41 assumed office!

Franz Schubert

Anyways time to end this banal introductory paragraph! I possess several thousand shellacs ranging from Woody Hermon and Caruso to the original Carousel and imported Telefunkens, Polydors and Deutsche Grammophons and love my sitdown sessions, interrupted every three to five minutes by getting up to change the disc. I play them on a Magnavox console I bought for ten bucks at an Augusta yard sale at least 11 years ago – this gift has kept on giving in the old-fashioned sense, like cars that were traded in mainly because their owners were tired of looking at them!

I would like to offer hopefully succinct comments on a few I own:

A record from 1940, on the Masterpiece label, has sides five and six featuring two-thirds of the slow movement of Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony performed quite nicely by an unnamed orchestra. The New York Post spearheaded a series of record sets in the late ‘30s that contained Symphonies and other classical pieces that sold for a buck per set, instead of one or more dollars per record like Victor, Decca, Columbia, etc., but did not name the performers. Yet, because players and others, who were directly involved, talked, the story goes that there was a series of midnight recording sessions at Carnegie Hall with hand-picked free-lancers and conductors such as Eugene Ormandy, Fritz Reiner, Artur Rodzinski and Fritz Stiedry: names would be assigned to different works as more useful snitchings occurred. Thus, Ormandy was revealed as responsible for the Schubert!

An acoustic Victor from the World War I years features the Arthur Pryor Band doing a lively, charming first half of Rossini’s William Tell Overture, itself a very favorite classic of mine. Unfortunately, it is the last half that contains Heigh Ho Silver. I have previously covered another Pryor breakable in these most edifying pages so I will refer the newly curious to an informative Wiki bio on the bandleader’s illustrious life.

Arthur Pryor

Another acoustic from the same label and recording decade has one side devoted to the Victor Minstrel Company, a chorus/orchestra combo performing Alabama Minstrels, a feisty medley consisting of then current hit songs – Fly Fly Fly, My Rosie Rambler that is not to be confused with Nat King Cole’s Ramblin’ Rose of more than 40 years later, and Linda, definitely not the Buddy Clark hit of more than 30 years later! These quaint celebrations of life in the then pellagra, hookworm and lynching – infested Deep South utopia are similar to the 1930s Mills Brothers Decca hit 78, Is It True What They Say About Dixie? and, of course, the 1940s Al Jolsen record of George Gershwin’s Swanee River, itself unsurpassed to this day as a rendition of that song! Finally, Jolsen sang it blackface in the movies before these practices were politically corrected.

Side two contains, again, Pryor’s Band doing Old Heidelberg, A Trip Up the Rhine that incorporates the Sailor’s Chorus from Wagner’s sterling opera, The Flying Dutchman.

One more – a Columbia acoustic from the Columbia Operatic Sextette, a mixed group of fine voices, performs the Donizetti Lucia di Lammermoor sextette, What from Vengeance, and Verdi’s Rigoletto quartet, Beauteous Daughter.

I might be pushing TMI here but I am certain somebody out there would like to know that all of the above selections are 12-inch discs.

IF WALLS COULD TALK, Week of March 8, 2018

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Katie Ouilette Wallsby Katie Ouilette

WALLS we sure did get a wonderful view as we approached Madison by way of the Madison Road last week, didn’t we? Yes, we had it all, past being the view and new being the field of blue solar panels near Madison Electric’s building. Then, WALLS, you reminded me of the birds that we passed on the road as they perched at the tip-top of the trees. Those birds sure do get the view without reading any ads about visiting our wonderful state of Maine, as they perch themselves on our tree tops.

Yes, WALLS, that is another way of appreciating our birds of a feather. Last week our faithful readers had a crow that talked to folks in Waterville and this week we
are talking about birds in our tree tops. Y’know, we’ll have our birds in all places soon. Actually, the birds (yes crows), squirrels (both grey and red) that have chosen the food in our birdfeeders have been joined by deer! Yes, there are two young deer that come to our bird feeders during the day lately. Yes, there are pictures of them, with their heads in the feeders to prove that their life is saved by the birds’ food. We are so proud of that.

Now, switching gears…I just have to tell you, faithful readers, about the center-piece on our kitchen table. Hanging on the wall is the photo that granddaughter Roxie Pine sent to us when she was in, yes, Antarctica! She was with a group of marathon folks and waving our American flag proudly. Actually, she expected to take her talents as a computer technician to California soon! Yes, Dad Ray Pine taught his daughter and son, Leigh, well about not being afraid to try everything, and they do. And mom, Lynn, was a do-it-herself person. Yes, I will never forget her saying ‘do it MEself.’

Well, WALLS, enough of my smart kids and, now, it is time to tell everyone that, by the time our faithful readers read this, our Skowhegan Chamber of Commerce F.A.B.

Fair will be wrapping up until next year. True, the event used to be called Getting to Know You Fair and, the late Herb Paradis was chairman of it.

My, that was a long time ago! WALLS do you remember when Henry’s Hardware was on Chestnut Street in our great town of Skowhegan? Yes, Henry had a drawing for a milk can that had been painted green. Paint that Henry’s sold. Actually, when the first event was held, there was a brutal snow storm, but people kept coming and coming. Probably, because, in those days, this was something to do on a stormy day! How times and activities have changed! Yes, it was at the Getting to Know You Fair that we saw TV for the first time, But the Rebekahs still hade fundge the old-fashioned way.

SOLON & BEYOND: Solon town meeting one of shortest in memory

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Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percyby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

The Annual Solon town meeting was held at the Solon Elementary School on March 3, with voting for candidates for officers in the morning. One hundred residents got out to vote and those returned to their positions were Leslie Giroux, Town Clerk/Tax Collector and Robert Lindblom, RSU #74 Director. Gary Bishop was elected Road Commissioner and Keith Gallagher as the new selectman, taking Mary Lou Ridley’s position, (she was retiring). Mike Foster has also retired as road commissioner, after doing a good job for six years.

Elaine Aloes, first selectman, presented Foster with a plaque for his six years of service to the town. Elaine also presented a plaque to Mary Lou for her many years in the position of selectman. The Solon Fire Department was presented with the Spirit of America Award by Mary Lou.

Was unable to find out how many attended the meeting in the afternoon which started at 1:30 p.m., with Peter Mills as the moderator.

The 27 articles on the town meeting warrant were voted on and approved in one hour, with very little discussion. It was the shortest town meeting I have ever attended.

Eleanor Pooler thanks all those who purchased food and attended the 4-H sponsored dinner on town meeting day. She said $208 was taken in on the food sale and will be given to the food cupboard. She was very pleased that more people attended the dinner this year, there were 32 in attendance.

There will be an open installation of Keystone Chapter #78 Order of the Eastern Star of Solon, Installation of Officers on Friday, March 16, at the Masonic Hall in Solon.

Beginning on Tuesday, March 6, and continuing all the way through May, Mary Lou Ridley will be hosting Knit Night from 5-8 p.m., at Happynits. Grab that UFO and come on in for a fun time. Oh, and of course, there’s no charge!

That is all the real news I could gather up this week, with this privacy thing no one wants their names and activities in print anymore. I have some of the old, old clippings from when I was writing years ago and there were many very long accounts of who visited who and where they had been. The times, they have changed! Had been writing about some of the things Lief and I have been doing, but didn’t want to bore you this week. But… I can’t help stating that I would love to hear from you with what has been going on in your lives!

And so, for Percy’s memoir I’m going to write some more of the Ten Commandments for good manners. Thou shalt not criticize: A person with good manners is above criticzing others or complaining about circumstances. Negativity in any form is to be avoided. If you hear gossip, don’t join in, be indifferent to it.

If you disagree with others, do so respectfully. Don’t verbally attack or condemn them. You may win the argument, but lose a valued friend.

Thou shalt be punctual: Appreciate the value of time, yours and others. If you make an appointment, arrive on time. If you must be late, call first.

Never arrive early for a social engagement: your host may still be getting dressed!

Don’t overstay your welcome. Lingering good-byes merely cause frustration and can ruin an otherwise good time. A quick, simple exit at the proper time is usually appreciated.

Thou shalt not embarrass others: Treat others as you would like to be treated, and think of how you can put them at ease. The feelings of other people can be as fragile as fine crystal. Never demean anyone with rude jokes or an unwelcome nickname. Be considerate. In conversation, never ask embarrassing questions such as how much was paid for a new item or about matters of the heart. It’s always good manners to think of others first. (there are still a few more that I may be able to get in another time).

And now for Percy’s memoir for this week called, “Your Own Version.”

You are writing a Gospel,
A chapter each day,
By deeds that you do,
By words that you say.
Men read what you write,
Whether faithless or true;
Say, what is the Gospel According to You?

(words by Paul Gilbert.)

GARDEN WORKS – Doctoring Trees: How to help them after a harsh winter

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Has winter caused damage to your fruit trees?

Emily Catesby Emily Cates

Are you feeling a little beat up from this winter? I sure am! And from the looks of it, so are a few of my fruit trees and a few more in the woods. While the promise of springtime is certain, it may be a while until it arrives. Until those glorious days arrive, we simply must endure.

Of course, we need not wait idly for springtime; there is plenty to do! And, the more we stay busy, the quicker it will seem to arrive. Look on the bright side: no bugs, scorching heat, or weeds to deal with! Also, the pace is much more relaxed and many activities can be done without as much competition from other chores. In this article, let’s look at something healing we can do in the meantime – giving attention to trees that need some help. After the windstorm last fall and other storms since, we’re sure to find something in our yards that needs TLC.

Sometimes it’s clear how to fix a broken tree, and sometimes it’s not. However you decide to care for them, use clean, sharp tools. Try to resist the urge to use a chainsaw when you can use hand tools, as that rips through branches as opposed to a clean cut. (Can you blame a tree for faring better with precision tools? Would you prefer a surgeon with a chainsaw or a scalpel?) Lop or saw damaged branches neatly to the “collar” from which they grew. When sawing, be sure to cut deeply from the bottom first a bit, then remove the saw and start again from the top side, sawing downward through the limb to eventually meet the cut made underneath. This will prevent tearing of the bark under the limb and damage to the good part of the tree when the limb falls off.

Oh no! What if the trunk of the tree is cracked or split? Some folks have had success from rather heroic efforts involving splinting, tying, cabling, and even duct taping. The sooner a damaged tree is repaired, the better a chance it has of healing. Don’t wait if you can help it. Your peach trees will thank you. Remember, though, not to leave on any items that could hinder the tree after it has healed, such as wire, rods, boards, rope and the like. If a tree is prone to damage, perhaps it needs to be pruned, supported, and fruits thinned. Or maybe it needs a better location, or a different tree altogether….

What if it’s not possible, despite our best efforts and intentions, to save a damaged tree? Well, maybe then it’s time for the chainsaw. Oftentimes a cut tree will sprout up and save itself with a little help. In grafted specimens, cut above the graft if possible and keep only sprouts that are growing above the graft. If this is not feasible, cut down to the part that is least damaged. Some folks insist in coating the wound with Treekote or something similar, but I don’t usually bother and let the tree heal itself. If all that is left is a stump and the tree decides to send up sprouts from the roots or base of the tree, select the most vigorous sprout and remove the rest. This sprout can be used as a rootstock onto which a desired variety can be grafted.

Well, I hope these activities help lessen the sting of a harsh winter and usher in the spirit of springtime. Enjoy the increasing sunshine as much as you can!

FOR YOUR HEALTH – It’s Flu Season: CDC Reminds Public That Antibiotics Do Not Treat Flu

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(NAPSI) — Flu season is upon us and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wants patients and families to remember that prescription antiviral drugs, not antibiotics, are the treatment for influenza (flu). Antibiotics do not treat viruses that cause colds and the flu. They are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria.

Remember that the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu is by getting your annual flu vaccine. It’s not too late to get vaccinated.

KNOW WHAT’S GOT YOU SICK

Viruses cause infections like the common cold, flu, runny noses and most sore throats, and none of these are treated with antibiotics. Illnesses like strep throat, pneumonia and whooping cough are examples of illnesses caused by bacteria that can be treated with antibiotics.

ANTIBIOTICS AREN’T ALWAYS THE ANSWER

If you have the flu, taking antibiotics won’t help to treat your flu illness. It is important to remember that any time you take antibiotics it can lead to antibiotic resistance and cause side effects.

Antibiotic resistance is one of the most urgent threats to the public’s health and occurs when bacteria become resistant to the antibiotics designed to kill them. Antibiotic side effects range from minor—e.g., rash, dizziness, nausea, yeast infections—to very severe health problems, e.g., life-threatening allergic reactions or Clostridium difficile infection (also called C. difficile or C. diff), which causes diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage or death.

When a patient needs antibiotics, the benefits outweigh the risks of side effects. Antibiotics save lives and are critical tools for treating a number of common infections like pneumonia and life-threatening conditions like sepsis.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM INFLUENZA (FLU)

You can protect yourself and others from the flu in three steps.

1) Get vaccinated. Everyone 6 months or older should get a yearly flu vaccine.

2) Stop the spread of germs by avoiding close contact with sick people. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Clean your hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water.

3) If you get sick, take antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

FIND OUT HOW TO FEEL BETTER

Most healthy people with the flu have mild illness and recover in less than two weeks without needing medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care.

If, however, you have flu symptoms and are at high risk of having complications from flu, or are very sick or worried about your illness, contact your healthcare professional. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs to treat your illness. People at high risk of having complications from flu include young children, people 65 years of age and older, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions.

Visit www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use for information on antibiotic prescribing and use, and visit www.cdc.gov/flu for information about the flu.