According to a Monday study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, winter viruses are rampant right now, with flu leading the way with exceptionally high levels across the West, the Midwest, and far into the Southeast.
Hospitalizations and fatalities from the flu are increasing, and experts say there will be many more in the future.
Alicia Budd, who leads the CDC’s domestic influenza surveillance team, expressed confidence that flu activity will remain high for a few more weeks.
According to the most recent study, there was a minor decline in flu activity for the week ending January 4, which occurred immediately following the holidays. People are less likely to visit the doctor around the holidays and when on vacation, so that’s definitely an outlier, Budd said.
At the moment, flu A strains—particularly H3N2 and H1N1—are prevalent. The viruses that are circulating are affecting people of all ages, although hospitalization for the flu is most common among those 65 and older.
Seasonal flu usually peaks between December and February. A sore throat, cough, runny nose, headaches, body aches, and occasionally fever are common symptoms of infection. Many people say that having the flu makes them feel like they’ve been struck by a vehicle.
It might take an additional three months before the flu starts to slow down, according to Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and author of Crisis Averted: The Hidden Science of Fighting Outbreaks.
According to Budd and other infectious disease specialists, there is still time to get vaccinated against the flu because B strains may become more prevalent later in the season. Many people are still eligible, particularly kids.
Just about 42 percent of children had received their flu shot this season as of December 28. Nearly 45 percent had received it at this time last year.
This season, the flu has claimed the lives of 17 children. Although the CDC does not keep count of adult flu mortality, it believes that this season has seen at least 4,700 deaths and over 110,000 hospitalizations.
“There is still time if you have not received your vaccination yet,” Budd added. It would be worthwhile.
Everyone six months of age and older should get a yearly flu shot, according to the CDC.
The flu shot generally lowers the risk of illness by about 40% and hospitalization by 60%, and it is updated annually to reflect the most recent strain of the virus.
Most often, the flu is transferred by droplets from coughing, sneezing, and even talking. Within a week of the onset of symptoms, it can spread. However, during the first three days of illness, it is most contagious.
The risk of infection can be decreased by avoiding contact with infected individuals and washing your hands often. Although hand washing is recommended by doctors, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can also be helpful.
Antiviral drugs like Tamiflu can help alleviate the symptoms and speed up recovery if you do contract the virus. People who are at risk of major consequences, such as those who have diabetes, heart disease, or lung illness, are particularly advised to take these medications.
Antiviral medications are most effective when used one to two days after the onset of symptoms.
Antibiotics do not work against the flu because they target bacteria rather than viruses, as is the case with all viral infections.