he 2022-2023 flu season within the U.S. is anticipated to be worse than in previous years, with an anticipated increase within the variety of cases. Experts recommend several ways to avoid getting sick with influenza.
Considered one of the important thing ways to forestall illness is to get a flu vaccination. These shots are really helpful by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be administered by the tip of October.
Flu season within the Northern Hemisphere typically shows a rise in cases in October, peaks from December to February, and may last so long as May, in line with the CDC.
“The most effective solution to reduce your risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated every 12 months,” advised the CDC, recommending flu shots for ages 6 months and older.
A flu vaccination not only can prevent an individual from getting sick and suffering symptoms, but it might probably also reduce the severity of their illness, in addition to the danger of hospitalization related to the influenza virus.
This season’s flu shot has been reformulated to guard against 4 most important strains of influenza that research has indicated will likely be essentially the most common within the U.S. The Southern Hemisphere is currently experiencing one in all its worst flu seasons in recent history.
Based on the CDC, only half of Americans get an annual flu shot, with thousands and thousands of individuals becoming unwell, tons of of hundreds requiring hospitalization, and tens of hundreds dying from the virus.
While the flu vaccine is really helpful as the primary line of defense against the influenza virus, the agency also has other recommendations for avoiding becoming sick.
Avoiding close contact with others who’re sick with the flu is suggested, in addition to stopping the spread of the virus by covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Handwashing often with soap and water can also be really helpful, in addition to avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth.
If an individual becomes sick with the flu, the CDC says they need to stay home for a minimum of 24 hours after their fever is gone without the necessity to use fever-reducing medications.
Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue, with some people experiencing vomiting and diarrhea or respiratory symptoms with no fever.
There are treatments available for flu illnesses, including antiviral drugs, which should be prescribed by knowledgeable. These medications are designed to cut back flu illnesses and forestall flu complications, the CDC said.
“Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment after they are began inside 2 days of getting sick, but starting them later can still be helpful, especially if the sick person has a better risk factor or may be very sick from flu,” the agency said on its website.
“When you are at higher risk from flu and get flu symptoms, call your health care provider early so you may be treated with flu antivirals if needed. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking this drug,” the CDC added.