It’s that time of year when staying healthy is on everyone’s mind— flu season. The American Red Cross urges everyone to get their influenza vaccine now. It is not too late to protect yourself and your family.
This year, the CDC reports this year’s flu season is expected to peak in February but can last as late as May. Reportedly the sickness is widespread in both Colorado and Wyoming – along with 48 other states and Puerto Rico.
Photo by Roberto Brito de la Cuesta
What you need to know:
- This season there have been at least 13 million flu illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations and 6,600 deaths from flu.
- It’s not too late to get vaccinated. Flu vaccination is always the best way to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications.
- Antiviral medications are an essential adjunct to the flu vaccine in the control of influenza.
- The CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) are closely monitoring developments around an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in hundreds of confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan City, with additional cases being identified in a growing number of countries internationally. The first case in the United States was announced on January 21, 2020. There are ongoing investigations to learn more.
The difference between the flu and the common cold:
The flu often comes on suddenly and more severely than a cold. The most common flu symptoms are fever, cough, and sore throat, but could also include body aches, headache, chills, runny nose, and fatigue. Comparatively, colds are typically marked by sneezing, nasal congestion, and a runny nose.
Flu symptoms:
Flu signs and symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who are sick with the flu can feel some or all of these symptoms:
- Fever* or feeling feverish/chills (It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Flu prevention:
While getting a flu shot is your best form of prevention against the seasonal flu, frequent hand washing can lower your risk of contracting the flu and other viruses. Wash your hands often using soap and running water for 15 to 30 seconds. Also, try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth, especially when you’re around people who are sick.
There are currently no vaccines available to protect against human coronavirus. However, you may be able to reduce your risk of infection by washing your hands often with soap and water for 15- 30 seconds. You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Learn more about how to help keep you and your loved ones protected from the flu check the American Red Cross website or the free Red Cross First Aid App. See all the Red Cross apps at redcross.org/mobileapps.