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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu has caused an estimated 32 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations and 18,000 deaths this season in the United States while the coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted 89,000 illnesses and 3,000 deaths worldwide. Scientist are racing to learn more about COVID-19 and how to stop it from spreading.
Influenza also known as the flu. The influenza virus infects the throat, nose, and sometimes lungs which causes the respiratory illness, the flu. The flu can take effect in mild or severe form within individuals. It has the ability to lead to hospitalizations or death in some cases. It’s said the best way to counteract the flu is by getting a vaccine. Due to the several different flu viruses, the flu vaccine given is to protect against the four most common.
The flu can be seen in individuals year-round and the duration of the flu season can vary from year to year. Peak season can be seen from December to February and last through May.
The flu can take effect in mild or severe form within individuals. Often times the symptoms can appear as the common cold. Common signs and symptoms of the flu:
Fever
Runny Nose
Nasal Congestion
Headache
Chills and Sweats
Cough
Sore Throat
Most individuals can manage symptoms of the flu at home, but in more severe cases or individuals at risk, seek your doctor immediately. Some of the best responses to catching the flu and to help ease symptoms are the following:
Drink plenty of liquids and fluids (water and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.)
Rest (Sleep and nap more to allow your body to fight the infection.)
Pain Relievers (Use over the counter medications to help with symptoms of coughing, headaches, and fevers as prescribed by the doctor.)
It is believed by experts that the flu virus spreads by liquid/wet droplets from individuals’ nose, coughing, sneezing, talking and other bodily responses. These droplets are then spread by contact/touching of others, objects, their own face, nose, mouth, and eyes. Common practices and the best ways to help prevent catching the flu are the following:
Wash hands multiple times a day
Avoid shaking hands with others.
Stand 6+ inches from others in community settings. (grocery store, post office, doctor’s office etc.)
Minimize trips to unnecessary places to avoid contact with people. (Use drive-throughs and delivery services.)
Be careful of contaminated doorknobs. (Sanitize Hands)
Stay home if you think you show symptoms to decrease the risk of catching a more serious illness due to a suppressed immune system.
Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with hands.
Sources: cdc.gov, mayoclinic.org
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