As a nation, more people are beginning to understand the severe health risks of the flu for the population in general and the US has actually had an almost 90% drop in pediatric flu related deaths over the past few years, due to greater compliance with health recommendations. The very young and very old are most at risk. See the accompanying article graphic for the dramatic drop in deaths. More people appear to avoid exposing others and will take precautions to prevent the initial outbreaks and subsequent spread of the flu. http://www.flu.gov/video/2012/06/if-my-child-gets-flu.html
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/usmap.htm is a US map provided by the CDC tracking the presentation of the flu nationwide, citing hot spots for the severity and spread of this seasonal illness.
The CDC, Atlanta based Centers for Disease Control has a variety of community information to track and deal with various health issues. The seasonal flu is no exception.
This link http://www.flu.gov/ is a defining comparison page of seasonal flu vs. winter colds.
The recommended 3 step preventions are understanding that 1.) taking the flu shot is first.if you need a shot, go to the Oklahoma City County Health Department https://www.occhd.org/ , corner pharmacy with a nurse, or your personal MD. There is a point at which the Health Department dispenses free flu shots, and you may wish to ask regarding this status.
2.) is keeping clean if you do and if you don't have the flu. Cover up your cough with your forearm over your mouth, wash your hands frequently. Hand sanitizers do not CLEAN hands and running water is actually more effective than sanitizers. Sanitizers are better than nothing, but are not a substitute for actually washing.
And 3.) is accepting prescription medications for anti-virals if you get the flu, to prevent complications.
This link has a printable poster of the even more suggestions http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/everyday_preventive_9-2...
Many people subscribe to better nutrition when warding off or healing from illnesses. Each link below hosts different concepts of what is a great idea. Use your extra caution and judgement in feeding any of these foods to small or elderly individuals who may be sensitive to content or texture of the food.
Health and Fitness magazine is popular for health and fitness advice. http://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/photos/10-flu-fighting-food...
WebMD is popular for social medical advice. http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/8-tips-to-treat-colds-and-flu-the-natu...
Raw food for beauty.com https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=584153554943593&set=a.2423183124...
Here is a www.Food.com recipe nutrient rich soup that is tasty and inexpensive to prep http://www.food.com/recipe/flu-fighting-mustard-green-and-sweet-potato-s...
Remember to contact your family physician or proceed to your nearest emergency room if you or a loved one appear to be experiencing severe spikes in symptoms.
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