Flu activity is “elevatedâ€
in Washington, with 15 influenza deaths reported statewide. During the 2017-18
flu season, a total of 296 people died.
A man in his 40s in Pierce
County was the first flu-related death reported back in October.
Officials at MultiCare Health
System note that the best protection against the flu virus is washing your
hands regularly and getting the flu shot. If you haven’t gotten a flu shot yet,
there’s still time. The flu shot is effective as long as flu viruses are
circulating.
Flu activity typically peaks
between December and March, but it can last as late as May. Here, according to
MultiCare, is what you need to know about navigating the peak flu season:
Flu shots are your best protection, and it’s not too
late to get one.
Flu viruses are constantly
changing, so each year the vaccine is updated based on which influenza viruses
are making people sick. This year, the nasal spray flu vaccine is once again
available as an alternative to the shot. It’s recommended for people ages 2 to 49,
except for pregnant women.
The flu vaccine can reduce
the risk of flu by about 50 to 60 percent, according to research conducted by
the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), which studies how well the vaccine
protects against the flu each year. Traditional vaccines protect against three
viruses — two influenza A viruses and one influenza B virus.
Even when the vaccine isn’t a
good match against circulating viruses, it can still sometimes provide
protection against different (but related) viruses, says the CDC.
Everyone older than six
months old should get the flu shot, according to the CDC. It’s especially important
for those at higher risk to get vaccinated:
- Adults 65 and
older.
- Residents of
nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
- Children younger
than 5 but especially younger than 2.
- Pregnant women.
- Native Americans.
- People with certain medical conditions.
Pharmacies that offer the flu
shot typically accept most forms of insurance, but be sure to let your primary
care doctor know you received your flu shot so it can be added to your record.
Make an appointment with your
primary care provider, pediatric provider, or visit a walk-in clinic.
You can take additional steps to avoid the flu.
Washing our hands is one of
the most effective steps against illnesses such as the flu, but what else can
you do?
- Avoid crowded places and close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes and nose, as this is how flu viruses spread.
If you get sick, you can take steps to feel better.
The key to getting better is
to stay home and rest. In addition, avoid close contact with family members so
you don’t pass on the illness, drink plenty of fluids (dehydration is a serious
complication in flu patients), treat fever and cough with over-the-counter
medications for comfort, and if you have a flu-like illness, try to stay home
for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (unless you need to receive
care).
If symptoms don’t improve, see your doctor.
If you experience a cough,
fever or other flu symptoms that worsen or don’t improve, this is the time to
see your doctor. The same goes if you are pregnant, over age 65, or otherwise
at high risk of flu-related complications.
Difficulty breathing,
inability to drink enough fluids, and irritability in children are some of the
more serious signs of a significant influenza infection, which can lead to
complications.
