Flu Season Started and 5 Deaths Recorded so far: Some Tips to Protect Yourself from the Deadly Virus

In the United States, Influenza (flu) viruses are detected and are most common during the fall and winter. As per various reports, Flu seasons start as early as October and can last as late as May. Three deaths are reported by the Arkansas Department of Health so far. The first two deaths were reported in October and the third one was reported yesterday while the Indiana State Department of Health has reported another such death of a 65-year-old victim recently.

Last year, flu killed 80,000 Americans, according to the country�s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Canada, about 3,500 people died from the flu.

In 2018, The first Flu was reported by The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) last Thursday. The director of public health Dr. Lilian Peake has shared �Sadly, an individual from the Lowcountry region has died from complications due to the flu. This is our first lab-confirmed, influenza-associated death of the season. Unfortunately, we see many deaths, hospitalizations and other serious complications of the flu each year in South Carolina�

Meanwhile,  Dr. Joseph A. Bocchini at Oschner LSU Health Shreveport shares �A new vaccine was developed for this year which contains two different types of influenza that were in the prior vaccine,� he said. So the vaccine has been updated to match the viruses that were circulating and are expected to circulate during this flu season.

Not only adults but also the infants are at high risk of getting infected by serious Flu. Babies under six months also can�t get the vaccination. Bocchini recommends adults that are around babies get their flu shot so they don�t spread it to them. Also, studies reveal that the vaccination of Flu for the mother during pregnancy can defend the baby after birth from the infection of Flu for a certain period. 

Public health officials say that it's now time to get the flu shot not only to prevent Flu but to also avoid spreading it. It takes about more than two weeks after vaccination for the antibodies to develop in the body and so protect against the disease. So take the precautionary measures right now. In addition to getting the shot, DHEC encourages the following tips to be followed

• Limit yourself from contact with others while sick, to keep away from spreading the infection.
• It is better to cover mouth and nose with a tissue while coughing or sneezing.
• Don't forget to throw the tissue in the trash after using it. use the crook of your elbow in case of unavailability of tissue
• Regular hand washing with soap and water will help in the hygiene process.

If you feel any flu symptoms, don't delay to visit a doctor and apart from the doctor visit it is better to stay home to avoid spreading of the flu.