IJ Reveiw – by Jennifer VanLaar
If you have been battling a case of the flu over the last few weeks, this week’s data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that you’re definitely not alone.
The CDC warned that this flu season could be a bad one. Erin Burns of the CDC told USA Today:
“At this time, all of CDC’s influenza surveillance systems are showing elevated flu activity, indicating that we are in the midst of this season’s flu epidemic.”
In one week, the number of states with a high flu activity rate spiked from 13 to 22. So far this year, 15 flu-related pediatric deaths have been reported in nine different states.
“It is a bit early to make any kind of characterization about pediatric deaths this season, but from looking at the curve going back to 2011-2012, it doesn’t seem like anything unusual is happening.”
This year’s dominant flu strains, variants of influenza A H3N2, typically cause more severe illness. The vaccine strains in this year’s formulation are not an exact match, but the vaccine can still provide some protection.
Aside from vaccination, the CDC recommends standard disease prevention tactics: staying away from those who are ill, frequent hand washing, getting adequate sleep, and eating healthy meals.
Tamiflu and Relenza can shorten the length of the flu and prevent complications, but must be administered early in the course of the disease. Experts recommend seeing a doctor promptly, if you think you have the flu.
Given the eboooooooooooooola incident, you’re going to post “credible” information from the CDC???? lmao That’s funny! 🙂