Flu season is in full swing, and researchers say that it has reached its peak in the United States, which is the earliest that they have seen in decades. Over the past three weeks, Oklahoma City hospitals have reported a significant increase in the number of patients that been admitted with the flu, and doctors say that it is far from over. Just since Christmas, two people have died from the influenza virus.
People who have had this strain of the flu have reported it to be the worst that they have ever experienced. The main symptoms include high fevers, body aches, and chills, but there are many other symptoms to look for, such as nausea and vomiting.
Dr. Bronwyn Woods stated that it will only get worse over the next six to eight weeks. This strain of flu is hitting people quickly. One patient reported that he was feeling just fine one day, and the next, he was absolutely miserable.
Doctors are saying that even a mild case of this years flu can put a person in bed and out of work for at least seven to ten days. The majority of people will miss fourteen to sixteen days of work.
Nationwide there has been a large epidemic, and the worst is yet to come, according to Dr. Woods.
Doctors are saying that this years flu shot is not doing a great job against the current strain, so even if you feel you are protected with the shot, you are still at risk.
Doctors are saying that children under the age of four, seniors over the age of 65, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get the flu.
The best way to protect yourself is always prevention. Keep hand sanitizer with you and use it often. Wash your hands as often as you can, and if you have touched things like shopping carts that carry a great deal of germs, be sure to keep your hands away from your face until you have had a chance to wash them. It is also a good idea to keep sanitizing wipes with you to wipe down things that may carry a lot of germs before you touch them.
If you know someone who is showing flu like symptoms, it is best to stay away until they are no longer running a fever. Normally, once the fever subsides, they are no longer contagious, although this is not always the case. If you at a high risk, it is better to refrain from visiting with anyone with flu symptoms until they are completely better just to be safe.
If you feel as if you have contracted the flu, the best thing is to stay hydrated. The body can go without food, but it is important to keep the water and juices flowing. Take Tylenol for the fever, but if your fever rises above 104, you are unable to control it with medication, or you are vomiting constantly, you need to seek medical attention immediately.
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