Five Things to Know About Flu Season
It’s the start of flu season in the United States, and while the severity of the influenza virus varies from year to year, experts suggest flu shots and other preventative measures help minimize widespread infection. The United States experiences flu epidemics every year, and an estimated 9.2 million to 35.6 million flu illnesses have occurred since 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), resulting in 140,000-710,000 flu-related hospitalizations.
“Annual flu vaccinations are important for the whole family, as the vaccine is the most effective method of flu prevention,” said Dr. Joseph Wandass, primary care physician at Saint Thomas Health, part of Ascension, the largest nonprofit health system in the U.S. “Those most vulnerable to influenza, including include young children, seniors, and those with chronic illnesses, should consider receiving the flu shot early, as the vaccine causes antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after the vaccine is received.”
Here are five commonly asked questions about the flu and how to prevent it:
- What is the flu?
o The flu is “a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza virus,” and it directly infects the throat, nose and lungs, according to the CDC. The flu can cause mild to severe illness and can be fatal. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.
- When is flu season?
o Flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter, although they can be found year-around in the United States and may be more prevalent in certain regions at certain times. According to the CDC, viruses usually begin in October and peak between December and February.
- Why are flu shots important?
o Each year the influenza virus comes in different forms, and the seasonal flu vaccine is updated to better match the flu virus that is expected to be most common. According to the CDC, the flu vaccine typically protects against several forms of the virus, and it’s recommended that everyone 6 months or older receive the flu shot annually.
- Who is most at risk for contracting the flu?
o The flu can affect all populations, but the highest risk of complications typically occur among pregnant women, children under five years of age, the elderly, and individuals with chronic medical conditions, according to World Health Organization. Because of their close contact with the virus, healthcare workers are also at a higher risk.
- Aside from a flu shot, what else can I do to prevent the flu?
o A number of additional precautions can be taken to ensure you avoid contracting the flu, including avoiding close contact with those who are sick and washing your hands regularly. Physicians also recommend getting plenty of sleep and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
