Flu activity has been increasing over the past few weeks, and the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) expects influenza activity persists for the coming weeks. Since its flu season right now, it's very important to look out for symptoms. Also, we should also understand why vaccination is important.
Flu cases jumped to 1.5 million since October 1, 2018, with over 186,000 flu-related hospitalizations and more than 7.2 million flu medical visits, as per CDC estimates. Older people aged 65 and above reportedly have the highest hospitalization rate, and then followed by children younger than five years old.
You should visit your doctor as soon as you experience flu symptoms, Dr. David Mushatt told Healthline, an infectious disease specialist and section chief of infectious diseases at Tulane University. Some of the flu symptoms may include aches, pains, chills, and fever. If ever you develop such symptoms, the best way to do is to start antiviral medication within 24 to 48 hours.
Dr. Mushatt said there is no cure for flu, but medications could help you instantly recover if taken within 48 hours. Thus, the sooner you take antivirals, the more chance you'll recover instantly. But, if you waited longer and didn't take medications sooner, flu virus could damage the body, and you'll likely need to catch up more antivirals.
Doctors also suggest staying home amid flu outbreak to avoid getting the infection. This is particularly important especially if you are working to places and with people most vulnerable to flu, such as elderlies and children. You should get some rest once you suspected you're having symptoms of flu, stay hydrated, and take over-the-counter medicines for fever.
Health experts also recommend to frequently wash your hands and to use hand sanitizer. Additionally, stay away from people who are sick and avoid touching public surfaces since they are known hotspots for harmful bacteria.
Meanwhile, due to the increasing flu cases, doctors are encouraging anyone six months and older to be vaccinated as it is the best way to protect yourself against influenza. CDC said vaccine this year has proved to be very effective; the 2018-2019 vaccine is specifically a better match to the dominant strains circulating this season. The vaccine is the best line of defense against influenza, and CDC noted its benefits such as reducing the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, doctor visits, as well as deaths among children.
The flu season will reportedly last until May, and more flu cases are before the season ends.
