Flu activity is widespread in the US, this season the impact is even stronger than the 2009 flu season, and it’s most widespread in the past 13 years with official record of flu. Senior people and children are the two age groups that are impacted most. Up to Jan 20, 37 children died from this year’s flu.
The predominannt strain of this season is H3N2, with the nastiest name. H3N2 causes the worst outbreaks of the two types of influenza A viruses and two types of influenza B viruses. H3N2 dominant flu season is associated with more dealths, more illness, more hospitalizations.
The flu season is between mid of Nov to Mar. We’re now at the middle of the season, and it’s unknow if the peak has passed or not.
Prevention
Vaccination is the first prevention choice for anyone older than 6 months. Handwashing goes next. Avoid touching nose, mouth and eyes.
Symptoms
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Complications
Flu doesn’t cause death but flu-caused complications do. People with flu usually recover within days to two weeks. But some might develop complications that cause serious health problems.
Complications from flu include: pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections, etc. Besides, the flu may worsen chronic diseases, for example, asthma, coronary artery disease.
Treatment
Antiviral drugs are one of the best treatment options, when prescribed by your doctor.
Children, senior group 65+ and pregnant women are at high risk of flu complications, when these people show flu symptom, visit your doctors as early as possible.
Protect Others
While sick, it’s highly recommended that flu patients take precautions to protect others by limiting contact with others, coverin your nose and moouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, washing hands with soap and use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Related FAQ：
http://healthtopquestions.com/cdc-recommended-flu-vaccines-2018/
