You would probably think that flu season is about to end with spring just a few weeks away. Well, that is not the case. According to health officials, flu season is expected to continue into April and May this year.
According to the CDC’s weekly flu report, flu activity remains elevated and widespread activity was reported in 48 states as well as Puerto Rico last week.
Since October 1, more than 26 million cases of the flu, 12.4 million flu-related medical visits, and more 31,000 deaths caused by the flu have been reported. As many as nine children died from the flu last week, totaling to 64 pediatric deaths this season.
Now, experts suggest that there is the second wave of the flu that has been circulating in the southeast region, featuring a new, stronger strain.
Dr. David Cutler, a family medicine physician in California, told Healthline, “Since there are multiple strains of flu virus going around, it is certainly possible to get the flu more than once.”
Although you cannot catch the same strain twice because your body develops antibodies to the virus, you can get another strain if you are not vaccinated.
Dr. Cutler added, “The best way to reduce your chance of getting the flu is to get the flu vaccine — and this year’s flu vaccine has definitely been effective in reducing flu cases and case severity.”
Which type of strain it is? It is the H3N2 strain, which is circulating in the southeastern states, including Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The H3N2 strain has been accounted for two-thirds of Influenza A viruses last week, according to the CDC. This new, strong strain is severe, which is more likely to cause pneumonia and land you in the hospital.
The signs and symptoms of flu include fever, body pain, cough, headache, and fatigue. However, the complexity of the symptoms may vary from person to person.
Dr. Armand Dorian, the chief medical officer at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, said, “The symptoms and trajectory will differ on an individual basis depending on that person’s immune system, risks, and overall health.”
The CDC suggests that it is still not too late to get immunized by taking the flu shot. The best way to prevent flu is to get the vaccine. In fact, this year’s vaccine has been extremely effective, as it has matched the common strains that are circulating this year.
The CDC estimated that this year’s vaccine has reduced the potential risk of flu-related illness by nearly 47 percent in people who have taken the flu shot.
The CDC is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to encouraging people to get vaccinated if they failed to take the flu shot, especially the elderly who are at a greater risk of getting flu.
Dr. Cutler said, “The people at greatest risk of the flu are the elderly (over age 65), the very young (under age 5), and those with compromised immune systems. While the flu vaccine will be good for everyone, it is especially important for these people.”
Experts explain that it might take up to a couple of weeks after the shot to build up immunity against the flu. So, it would be wise to get the flu shot at earliest.
Flu activity will be continuing in the next few weeks. However, medical experts are uncertain whether this flu season has peaked or there will be yet another wave.
Dr. Dorian explained, “It is very common for there to be undulations, or waves, within one flu season. While we always expect a peak, historically, we have seen multiple peaks in one season.” Notwithstanding, flu activity is likely to persist for several weeks.
In addition to taking the flu shot, physicians recommend boosting your immune system by eating a well-balanced diet, including foods rich in antioxidants, and getting adequate sleep. Washing your hands thoroughly and using hand sanitizer is highly imperative. Please note that the flu virus is extremely contagious and easily spreads via sneezing, coughing and even talking through air droplets.
