Is the Flu more intense this year?
Yes, indeed. As you may well know, we are in the midst of a higher than usual flu season. Chances are you, or someone close to you had, has, or will have it this year. As per Flu Near You, “the percentage of flu-like symptom reports in the United States has increased by 2.0 % since last week.”¹
The CDC has an interactive map showing the season in a week-by-week breakdown. As you can see in the image below, Texas is among those states most active with the influenza virus. How can you keep yourself healthy and avoid the flu?
Here are a few tips to prevent the flu:
- Eat healthy meals, drink plenty of fluids, and get adequate amounts of sleep. These will keep your immune system strong.
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly with warm water and soap.
- Avoid touching your face – eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with others who are sick.
- Get an influenza vaccine. This may help, but keep in mind that it takes about 2 weeks for the protection of a vaccine to be in place.2
- If you get sick, STAY HOME! Be a hero by doing your best to keep others from getting sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Use a tissue, your elbow, or the inside of your shirt – not your hands.
1 The Flu Near You https://flunearyou.org/#!/ 12/29/2017
2 CDC Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm 12/29/2017
I appreciate you providing some tips on how to prevent the flu such as getting an influenza vaccine. It is important that you get yourself vaccinated to prevent yourself from getting afflicted with the condition. Also, it’s best to distance yourself from people who may be carrying the virus. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. I would make sure to get my children to take the flu shots as soon as possible. Thanks.