The flu outbreak that has hit several countries has claimed 20 lives and left 38 people in the intensive care unit. The flu is a respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe symptoms.
It is highly contagious and can easily be spread from person to person through droplets in the air, or contact with contaminated surfaces.
How does the Flu Outbreak Spread?
The flu outbreak can easily be spread through contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. It can also be spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth.
People can also get infected by being in close proximity to someone who has the flu. The virus can be spread up to six feet away.
What Are the Symptoms of the Flu Outbreak?
The symptoms of the flu outbreak are similar to those of the common cold, but more severe. They include:.
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting (more common in children)
Who is at Risk of Contracting the Flu Outbreak?
Anyone can contract the flu outbreak, but certain people are more at risk of developing severe complications that can lead to hospitalization and even death. These include:.
- Elderly people (65 years and older)
- Young children (under 5 years old)
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and weakened immune systems)
How Can You Protect Yourself from the Flu Outbreak?
There are several measures you can take to protect yourself from the flu outbreak:.
- Get vaccinated: The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from the flu. It is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of used tissues immediately.
- Avoid close contact with sick people: If possible, stay away from people who are sick with flu-like symptoms.
- Stay home if you are sick: If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has gone away without using fever-reducing medicine.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces: Use a disinfectant to clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, and phones.
What is Being Done to Contain the Flu Outbreak?
Health officials are taking several measures to contain the flu outbreak, including:.
- Tracking the spread of the virus: Health officials are closely monitoring the spread of the flu outbreak and identifying clusters of cases.
- Issuing public health reminders: Health officials are reminding the public to take precautions to prevent the spread of the flu outbreak.
- Providing treatment and care: People who are infected with the flu outbreak are being provided with appropriate medical care and treatment.
In Conclusion
The flu outbreak is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe symptoms. It has claimed the lives of 20 people and left 38 others in the intensive care unit.
Anyone can contract the flu outbreak, but certain people are more at risk of developing severe complications. To protect yourself from the flu outbreak, get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, avoid close contact with sick people, stay home if you are sick, and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Health officials are taking several measures to contain the flu outbreak, including tracking the spread of the virus, issuing public health reminders, and providing treatment and care.