The flu comes every year and causes an epidemic in the United States, heck thats why its called “flu season” isn’t it? This years flu seems to be taking a toll on the American people. The CDC is reporting that there are high levels of illness due to influenza among a majority of the states, as seen below.
While this may seem scary, this is in fact normal flu activity. Likewise, the CDC reports that the indicators of severity, mainly hospitalizations and deaths, are not high at this point in the season.
So how has the US prepared for this yearly flu takeover? VACCINES!! Each year the CDC calculates the effectiveness of the vaccine in which we have all (hopefully) received. As it is too early in the year to calculate the overall effectiveness of this years vaccines, we can look at past years to get a better understanding of what this may look like.
Usually, the vaccine is about 40-60% effective, meaning you can still get sick from the flu but you are about half as likely as those who didn’t receive the vaccine. Moreover, because you received the vaccine, your symptoms may be reduced and likely cause the flu to not suck as much in simple words. What does this mean?? You should get vaccinated.
What happens now that I have the Flu?
Just diagnosed with the flu? Don’t panic, there are things you can do to prevent the spread of this disease and feel better quicker. First off, stay away from others! Try not to touch many things and take care to rest and recover. Take antivirals (not antibiotics) within the first 48 hours of being diagnosed in order to reduce the severity of the symptoms. The NIH suggests that you take it very easy, and hydrate with plenty of fluids such as water and juice. Of course, sense this is a disease of the respiratory system, don’t smoke as this can only bother your airways more. Just remember, you can do this!!
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