The flu outbreak this year has been particularly severe, with multiple states reporting long waiting lines in hospitals and overwhelmed emergency rooms.

According to the latest reports, the flu has claimed 26 lives and sent 135 people to intensive care units (ICUs).

What is the flu?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one’s face.

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.

Flu season in the US

Flu season in the US typically spans from October to May, with the peak of activity occurring between December and February.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual flu vaccination as the most effective way to prevent the flu and its complications. However, the effectiveness of the vaccine varies from year to year, depending on the match between the circulating virus strains and the vaccine.

Current flu outbreak

The current flu outbreak has been reported in multiple states across the US, with the Southeast and Midwest being hit hardest.

According to the CDC, the dominant strain of the flu virus this season is Influenza A (H3N2), which is known to cause more severe illness and death, especially among young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

As of the latest update, 26 flu-related deaths have been reported across the nation, with most of them being in Kentucky and Indiana. In addition, 135 people have been admitted to ICUs due to severe flu complications.

The actual number of cases is likely much higher, as many people with the flu do not seek medical attention or get tested for the virus.

Flu prevention and treatment

Preventing the flu is the best way to avoid its complications. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated with the flu shot, which is designed to protect against the most common flu virus strains circulating each season.

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

If you do get the flu, antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, particularly when given within the first 48 hours of onset. However, these drugs are prescription-only and may have side effects.

Over-the-counter medications can relieve fever and other symptoms, but should be taken according to instructions and with caution, especially in children and people with pre-existing conditions.

Flu myths and misconceptions

There are many myths and misconceptions about the flu that can make people anxious or complacent. Some of these include:.

Myth 1: The flu is just a bad cold

While the flu and the common cold share some symptoms, they are different illnesses caused by different viruses. The flu can be much more severe and cause more complications than a cold, especially in vulnerable populations.

Myth 2: The flu shot can give you the flu

The flu shot contains inactivated (killed) virus particles, so it cannot give you the flu. However, some people may experience mild side effects such as soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, or low-grade fever, headache, or muscle aches.

These side effects usually go away on their own within a few days.

Myth 3: You can only get the flu in winter

While flu season peaks in winter, the virus can circulate year-round and cause outbreaks in any season. In tropical or subtropical climates, the flu can occur anytime, often with milder symptoms and a longer season.

Myth 4: Antibiotics can cure the flu

Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections, but not against viral infections like the flu. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can contribute to antibiotic resistance and other health problems.

Conclusion

The flu outbreak this year is a reminder of the importance of flu vaccination, hand hygiene, and other preventive measures. While the flu can be a serious illness, most people recover without complications.

However, vulnerable populations such as young children, elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe complications and should seek medical attention promptly if they have flu symptoms.