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Last week, the United States Centers for Disease Control announced that the flu has officially reached epidemic proportions in the United States. (If you’re interested, you can read a transcript of the CDC’s Jan. 11 call with the media about the flu epidemic here.)
Flu season got off to an early start this year – one to two months ahead of what typically happens. To date, 20 people have died of influenza this season.
Who is at high risk for developing flu-related complications?
- Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
- Adults over 65
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease
- People who take care of or live with those who are high risk of complications from flu
What can you do?
- The CDC is continuing to recommend that those who have not received a vaccination to get a flu shot. Flu shots protect against the three influenza viruses that research suggests will be most common this season, and they are available on a walk-in basis at our urgent care centers in S. Dennis, MA and Warwick, RI. The CDC estimates that people who get this year’s vaccine are about 60 percent less likely to contract a virulent strain of the flu.
- Wash your hands often.
- Be sure to stay home if you are sick with a cough or fever, and keep your children home from school if they are sick.
- Get treated if you have flu-like symptoms. Early treatment with antiviral medications such as Tamiflu may help reduce the severity of your symptoms and help prevent the likelihood of complications.
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms: fever or feeling feverish/chills; cough; sore throat; runny or stuffy nose; muscle or body aches; headaches; and feeling very tired. Some may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. Please note that not everyone with the flu will have a fever.
Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
We hope you do not get sick this season. But if you do, seek out prompt treatment!
Until next time, please Stay Well!
