Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.

The flu can cause mild to severe illness and, in severe cases, can lead to hospitalization or even death. Flu season typically starts in October and ends in May, with most cases occurring between December and February.

This year’s flu season is proving to be particularly severe, with the number of cases approaching epidemic levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As of January 20, 2018, there have been 59 flu-related deaths in the United States, including at least 20 children. The number of cases is also increasing rapidly, with 49 states reporting widespread flu activity.

What is the Flu?

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.

The virus can be spread through the air when infected people cough or sneeze, or by touching an object contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth or nose. Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea.

Most people recover from the flu within a few days to two weeks, but some people, especially the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions, are at higher risk of developing severe complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections. In severe cases, the flu can also lead to hospitalization and death.

Flu Vaccine

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated. The flu vaccine is typically available in October and is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months.

The vaccine is especially important for people at high risk of developing complications from the flu, such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions.

The flu vaccine can reduce the risk of getting the flu by up to 60 percent. While the vaccine is not 100 percent effective, even if you still get the flu, the vaccine can make the illness less severe and shorten the duration of symptoms.

How to Prevent the Spread of the Flu

In addition to getting vaccinated, there are other steps you can take to prevent the spread of the flu:.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue away immediately.
Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with the flu virus.
Stay home from work or school if you have flu symptoms.

What to Do if You Get the Flu

If you do get the flu, there are several steps you can take to help alleviate symptoms:.

Stay home and rest.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Treat fever and aches with over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
If prescribed by your doctor, take antiviral medication to reduce the severity and duration of the flu.

It is also important to avoid spreading the flu to others. Stay home until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands frequently.

Conclusion

This year’s flu season is proving to be particularly severe, with the number of cases approaching epidemic levels and the number of deaths increasing rapidly.

It is important to take steps to prevent the spread of the flu, including getting vaccinated, washing your hands frequently, and staying home if you are sick. If you do get the flu, there are steps you can take to alleviate symptoms and avoid spreading the virus to others.