If you haven’t already gotten your flu shot this season, you might want to hurry up and do so. According to Dr.
George Tzanakis, a professor of internal medicine and infectious diseases at the University of Crete, Greece, the country may expect to see up to 300,000 cases of the flu per week during this year’s flu season.
Why the Prediction?
There are several reasons why Dr. Tzanakis predicts such a high number of flu cases. One reason is that the flu virus is constantly evolving and mutating, making it difficult to predict how it will affect the population each year.
Another reason is that this year’s flu strain, known as H3N2, is particularly potent and dangerous.
What is H3N2?
H3N2 is a subtype of the influenza A virus that has been identified as the cause of many flu outbreaks in the past.
It is known for causing severe illness and is especially dangerous for certain populations, such as the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems.
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Influenza outbreak to reach 300,000 cases a week
Who is at Risk?
As mentioned, certain populations are at higher risk for developing severe flu symptoms. These include:.
- Elderly individuals aged 65 and over
- Young children under the age of 5
- Those with weakened immune systems
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
How to Protect Yourself from the Flu
While there is no surefire way to prevent catching the flu, there are several steps you can take to help reduce your risk:.
- Get vaccinated
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals
What to Do If You Get the Flu
If you do end up catching the flu, it’s important to take care of yourself and prevent spreading the virus to others:.
- Stay home from work or school
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
- Get plenty of rest
- Treat symptoms with over-the-counter medications or as directed by your healthcare provider
- Avoid contact with others as much as possible
Conclusion
While Dr. Tzanakis’s prediction of 300,000 flu cases per week may sound alarming, it’s important to remember that taking steps to protect yourself and others can greatly reduce the spread of the virus.
Make sure to get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and take care of yourself if you do end up getting sick.
