Shutdown of Government is now 27 days

Government shutdown reaches Day 27

There are about 450,000 Government employees who still have not been working as of today. The Trump administration continues to recall tens of thousands of workers after almost four weeks of closed doors at vital agencies.

Private contracting firms, that work with Government agencies, have been without work, and no back pay is guaranteed. Unlike furloughed Federal workers who will receive back pay. 800,000 Federal workers are going without pay during the shutdown.

At the IRS, 36,000 employees were asked to return to deal with tax season, About 1,700 FAA aviation safety inspectors were told to return after the agency ran preliminary safety tests and about 2,500 employees at the Agriculture Department will briefly return to process farm loans.

This month people receiving SNAP benefits (food stamps) will get February's in January some have already received them. Also, for Social Security and Disability the February checks will also be given before the end of January. However, there is no way of knowing how much longer this shutdown will continue and if it does not end by February's end SNAP and Social Security and Disability checks can not be guaranteed for March.

We, the People of this Great Nation known as the United States need Our officials to come to some type of resolution. I for one am for the wall if the money can be found. But we can NOT let our Government hold us hostage and even stop our rights to the very needs we have paid for as we worked, like our Social Security, Disability and benefits to those who actually need help with food and medical on the State level known as Health and Welfare. Many Seniors and Disabled just barely survive even when they get SNAP benefits. I really look around and see that other people who have not put into Social Security and yet they get the benefits, of those who have, at a very high amount. I have always believed that the Social Security we have paid in to while working should be put into an account with our names on them so when we retire, or become disabled at some time before retirement age, we are guaranteed Social Security/Disability benefits without having to jump through hoops and the Government saying "There is no more money in Social Security." Why? Because the Government decided to borrow all of it which now puts us at risk of it not being there when we need it. It is our money we paid in. It was not up for borrowing. This is my biggest pet peeve.

Flu Widespread in US, 24 States Impacted

There is widespread flu activity in the United States. According to the CDC, states reporting widespread geographic flu activity went from 11 states to 24 states last week.

New York City and 19 states (Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Virginia) experienced high ILI activity. Nine states (Arkansas, California, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont) experienced moderate ILI activity. The District of Columbia and 10 states (Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Wyoming) experienced low ILI activity. Puerto Rico and 12 states (Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, and West Virginia) experienced minimal ILI activity.

According to the CDC, 1,562 people have been hospitalized for the flu since October 1, 2018.

Children who are under the age of 5 and people who are over the age of 65 have the highest rates of hospitalization.

There have been 13 pediatric deaths associated with the flu since the 2018 to 2019 flu season began. It is estimated that 15.6 percent of the respiratory specimens that were tested during the week of December 22 tested positive for the flu.

Influenza Type A was the most commonly reported flu virus. There were 448 positive flu tests during the week of December 22. Over 96 percent of theose were the Influenza Type A virus.

Experts have warned that this can be another bad flu season. Dr. Jane Zucker works for the Department of Health Immunization board in New York City. She stated that this is just the beginning of flu season.

Ways to Protect Yourself From the Flu

Even though flu activity is wide spread and it is expected to get worse, there are things that you can do in order to protect yourself. You should do the following.

Get the Flu Shot

The seasonal flu shot is recommended for people who are over the age of six months. This is the best thing that you can do in order to protect yourself. It is important to note that the flu shot is not 100 percent effective. However, if you get the flu, then it will be a lot less serious if you have the shot.

Practice Good Hygiene

You will also need to practice good hygiene habits. Studies have shown that the flu can be spread through air droplets. That is why it is a good idea to avoid close contact with people who are sick.

You will also need to wash your hands on a regular basis. Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth because you may infect yourself with the flu.

Maintain Your Immune System

If you have a strong immune system, then your body will be able to fight off just about anything.

Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, getting enough sleep and reducing your stress will help strengthen your immune system.