Mom Always Knew Best -- Just Ask the CDC

Flu season is going to be rough this year.

I watch Google.org's Flu Trends website rather than the CDC only because it tends to be a bit ahead of the curve reporting trends in flu cases (and it has an easy to use interface).

Wow. There's an early spike this year.

I don't know how much the media hype of H1N1 is affecting Google's numbers, but I'm still a little concerned about the impact this will have on emergency services as we get deeper into the traditional flu season.

Apparently, the White House is concerned, too. President Obama declared an emergency, which should give hospitals additional options for treating tons of flu cases.

The flu season is the busy time for emergency departments and ambulances around the country. The flu leads to shortness of breath and coughing. It makes folks tired, dizzy and confused. It gives you body aches and fever.

It sends you to the ER.

Now, thanks to H1N1, we're dealing with the flu at numbers near a typical peak season before the season should have even started.

The CDC has these tips to protect yourself, which look strangely similar to the things Mom always told you:

• Get vaccinated.
• Cover your cough with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Keep your hands out of your face -- touching your eyes, nose and mouth spreads germs.
• Stay home if you're sick.