This year’s flu season it the worse in recent years. The flu virus is still widespread across 46 states in the US and is still life-threatening. Here are 5 things you have to know about this year’s flu season.
Here are 5 things you have to know about this year’s flu season
The flu shots are less effective this year
Australian and Canadian researchers showed that the flu shots are not as efficient as expected. More specifically, they said that this year’s flu shots are only 10% effective.
On the other hand, the CDC officials guaranteed that the US flu shots are 50% effective. However, many of the flu victims this year were vaccinated against flu.
Go get your flu shot
Even though flu shots are not as effective as expected, taking your flu shot will protect you against many other flu strains. Doing so, you’ll avoid secondary infections with other flu virus strains.
Children should definitely be vaccinated, as the specialists have shown that flu shots will considerably reduce flu-related death risks in children.
Common cold and flu are often confused
Common cold gives mild symptoms, commonly including a congested nose, cough, throat sore, and even mild fever in some cases.
On the other hand, the flu causes all the above plus muscular and joints pains, breathing problems, high fever.
Regular medication against fever should work good but if the fever can’t be kept under control, professional medical care can be a life savior. Many people die of flu because they don’t treat their fever and don’t avoid exposure to other viruses that can cause secondary complications.
Prevention is easier than treating
Avoid crowdy areas, keep a distance from sick people, frequently wash your hands, wear protective masks, and so on.
If you’re already sick, stay at home and avoid contact with other people to not spread the disease. Wear a mask whenever you have to leave the house.
This year’s flu season is the worse in years!
This flu season, the flu virus strain H3N2 subtype A is the culprit for the huge number of hospitalizations and deaths. Besides, there is also the flu virus type B spreading.
By now, more than 160 adults and 60 children died due to the flu.
Unfortunately, the CDC officials are expecting more hospitalizations and flu-related deaths by the ending of the flu season, in May.