The winter season usually brings a wave of flu cases, but this year, the number of infections and hospitalizations has hit a 13-year high.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity has been widespread across the United States, particularly in the South and West.

What causes the flu?

The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks.

It can also be spread by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes. The flu virus can survive on surfaces for up to 24 hours.

Who is at risk?

Although the flu can affect anyone, certain groups are at higher risk of complications, including young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea, although these symptoms are more common in children.

How can you prevent the flu?

The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months old, especially those who are at higher risk of complications.

It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become effective, so it’s important to get vaccinated before the flu season starts.

In addition to getting vaccinated, you can also take other preventive measures, such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding close contact with sick people, and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

What should you do if you get the flu?

If you develop symptoms of the flu, it’s important to stay home and avoid contact with others to prevent the spread of the virus. Rest and drink plenty of fluids to help alleviate the symptoms.

Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve fever and aches. Antiviral medications may also be prescribed by a healthcare provider to help shorten the duration of the illness and reduce the severity of the symptoms.

Why is this flu season particularly severe?

One reason for the severity of this flu season may be the predominant strain of the virus. According to the CDC, the H3N2 virus is the most common strain circulating this year, and it tends to cause more severe illness than other strains.

In addition, the effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies depending on the match between the vaccine and the circulating strains, and this year’s vaccine may not be as effective against the H3N2 strain.

What can be done to mitigate the impact of this flu season?

Although it’s not possible to prevent every case of the flu, there are some measures that can be taken to reduce the impact of the illness.

Healthcare providers can encourage influenza vaccination for their patients, and individuals can take steps to prevent the spread of the virus by washing their hands, covering their mouth when coughing or sneezing, and staying home when they’re sick. Employers can also consider offering paid sick leave to their employees to encourage them to stay home when they’re ill and avoid spreading the virus to others.

Conclusion

The flu season is hitting hard this year, and it’s important to take preventive measures to protect yourself and others.

Getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and staying home when you’re sick can help reduce the spread of the virus and mitigate the impact of the illness.