Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide every year.

While most cases of flu are mild, some strains can be deadly, particularly among the elderly, children, and people with underlying health conditions.

This year, two different strains of influenza have contributed to the deaths of at least 12 people across the country. Here’s what we know about these deadly flu strains, their symptoms, and how to protect yourself.

H2: Flu Strain A

Flu strain A is a highly contagious virus that primarily spreads through droplets released when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk.

Symptoms of the flu typically appear 1 to 4 days after exposure and can include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, cough, and congestion.

This year’s strain A is particularly dangerous, as it has mutated and developed resistance to some antiviral medications, making it more difficult to treat.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the strain A(H3N2) virus has been linked to a higher number of hospitalizations and deaths compared to other flu viruses in recent years.

So far, four people have died from strain A across the country, highlighting the need for greater awareness and preventive measures.

The flu vaccine is still the most effective way to protect yourself against the virus, even though it may not provide full immunity, especially against new variants.

Other effective preventive measures include frequent hand washing, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, avoiding close contact with sick people, and staying home if you are sick.

H2: Flu Strain B

Flu strain B is another influenza virus that spreads through respiratory droplets. While it is less severe and less common than strain A, it can still cause serious illness and complications, particularly in children.

According to the CDC, the current strain B virus is from the B/Yamagata lineage and differs from the strain included in this year’s flu vaccine, which was designed to target the B/Victoria lineage.

As a result, people who receive the vaccine may still be at risk of contracting the B/Yamagata strain.

Almost half of the deaths reported this flu season were caused by strain B, with six fatalities recorded so far. Symptoms are similar to those of strain A and can include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and body aches.

However, unlike strain A, strain B can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting in some cases.

As with strain A, the flu vaccine is the best defense against the B virus, even if it may not offer complete protection.

Other preventive measures include practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick people, and staying home if you are sick.

H2: Who is at Risk?

While anyone can contract the flu, certain groups are more susceptible to developing severe illness and complications. These include:.

Elderly people (65 years and older)
Children (especially those under 5 years old)
Pregnant women
People with chronic medical conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune system)

If you belong to any of these high-risk groups, it is particularly important to get vaccinated and to take other preventive measures to protect yourself from the flu.

H2: How to Protect Yourself

The CDC recommends the following steps to protect yourself and others from the flu:.

Get vaccinated: The flu vaccine is still the best prevention tool against the virus, even though it may not offer complete protection
Practice good hand hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Avoid close contact with sick people: If possible, stay at least 6 feet away from people who are coughing, sneezing, or showing other symptoms of the flu
Stay home if you are sick: If you have flu-like symptoms, such as fever and cough, stay home until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications
Cover your mouth and nose: When you cough or sneeze, use a tissue or the crook of your elbow to cover your mouth and nose
Clean and disinfect: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops

By taking these preventive measures, you can reduce your risk of contracting and spreading the flu virus.

H2: Conclusion

The flu is a serious illness that can lead to severe complications, hospitalization, and even death.

This year, two different strains of influenza have contributed to the deaths of at least 12 people across the country, highlighting the importance of taking preventive measures against the virus.

To protect yourself and others from the flu, experts recommend getting vaccinated, practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick people, staying home if you are sick, and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

If you experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches, seek medical attention as soon as possible, particularly if you belong to a high-risk group.

Stay healthy and stay safe!.