Feeling Feverish: Take Flu 101
It is flu season again and about 7 million people have been sick so far, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and half of those people went to doctor because of the severity of the illness.
Flu can be dangerous if not taken seriously. The number of people who died from flu last year was higher than any flu season since 2009. CDC estimates a milder season this year and has not reported any deaths yet. However, we should still try to prevent contraction of flu. It is important that children and seniors avoid flu because they are more likely to get sick and once they get sick it is harder for them to get well. That is because their immune systems are often weaker than a regular person’s immune system.
Typical warning signs of flu are fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and pain around your eyes. If you think you have flu or you or have been exposed to it, according to WebMD, you should rest at home, drink fluids, and avoid contact with other people. Kids, seniors, and others with weak immune systems might have to use medicine in order to get well.
The best way to prevent flu is to get a flu vaccine. Dr. Tina, assistant commissioner works at NJ Department of Health says: “Everyone who is at least 6 months of age should get a flu vaccination… this is the most important step in protecting against flu…” in influenza PSA January 2018.
Another important way to prevent flu is to wash and dry your hands properly and consistently. The University of Bradford published a study on handwashing and concluded that bacteria is more likely to spread in wet surfaces. The lead researcher of the study, Dr. Snelling, says: “Good hand hygiene should include drying hands thoroughly and not just rinsing. The most hygienic method of drying hands is using paper towels or using a hand dryer which doesn’t require rubbing your hands together.” Drying your hands properly is as important as washing your hands.
Since it is the flu season, it is important to keep in mind how dangerous flu can be and remember to get a flu vaccination yearly.