This Flu Season

The CDC reported widespread cases of the flu this year across the country. According to WebMd, all states in the United States, except Oregon, Hawaii, and the District of Columbia reported widespread cover of the flu this season. The official Flu season begins in October and goes until around April, with the peak between December and February. This does not mean that you cannot contract the Flu outside of this window, just that it is less likely. In fact, the 2018-2019 Flu had the longest recorded season in decades.

When determining whether you have a cold or the flu there are certain symptoms to be on the lookout for. A cold can take a little while for the symptoms to be in full force, but not the flu. The Flu symptoms set in quickly and aggressively. The common symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, muscle/body aches, headache, and fatigue. It isn’t common, but diarrhea and vomiting also occur from time to time. There are some symptoms that can be more serious. In children, you need to lookout for distressed breathing, blue skin, feverish rash, dehydration, and lack of interaction. For adults these include: breathing distress, pain in chest or stomach, dizziness, confusion, and sever vomiting. These symptoms are more urgent and may require immediate medical attention. Found here. In my experience the body aches are the worst part of the Flu. Every part of your body hurts, and if you have a cough that makes it even worse.

In an article medically reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MD it is told that there have been 26,000,000 cases, 12,000,000 medical visits, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 25,000 deaths from the flu this year in the United States (as of 2/4/20). Medical professionals encourage everyone who is able to get the vaccine to do so. The vaccine for each flu season is made from information gained from the season’s before flu. This year, the vaccine will protect against 2 A strains, and 2 B strains. This is called a quadrivalent. There are many forms you can receive the vaccine in. This year the options are the shot, high dose shots (those 65 and older), shots made with adjuvant(65 and older), shots for people allergic to eggs, shots that do not use the flu virus, and a nasal spray with a live virus. (here). When I was younger I got the shot mostly, but I tried the mist once. I am not a fan of the mist, as I have sinus issues and things up the nose are uncomfortable. But, for people with a severe fear of needles, the mist is a life saver. My older brother is very scared of needles, so us getting flu shots each year was traumatic for him and everyone there. The mist was so much easier for him when we were younger. He didn’t like the feeling, but would take it any day over the shot. There is no cure for the flu, just antiviral dugs to lessen the affects. To avoid there flu: get you vaccine, wash your hands, cover your cough/sneeze, and stay home if you’re sick. Be brave this year and stay informed and healthy!