As the flu season hits its peak, 23 fatalities have been reported from an influenza outbreak. This is a major cause for concern among healthcare professionals and the general public alike.

The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It spreads through tiny droplets from an infected person’s cough, sneeze, or talk. The flu can lead to serious complications that can be fatal for people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and young children.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the influenza outbreak and what you can do to protect yourself and others from getting sick.

What is Influenza?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It is caused by the influenza virus and is highly contagious.

The flu can cause mild to severe symptoms and can also lead to complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and other respiratory illnesses. The flu virus can be transmitted through the air, by touching contaminated surfaces, or through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids.

How Does Influenza Spread?

Influenza can spread rapidly from person to person, especially in crowded areas such as schools, offices, and public transportation. The virus spreads through tiny droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze.

It can also be spread by touching contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs, handrails, and keyboards and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

What Are the Symptoms of Influenza?

The symptoms of influenza can vary from person to person, but they usually appear between 1-4 days after exposure to the virus. Some common symptoms include:.

Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches
Headache
Fatigue

Some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea, although these are more common in children than adults.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself and Others from the Flu?

There are several things you can do to protect yourself from the flu:.

Get vaccinated – The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick. The vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months.
Wash your hands – Washing your hands frequently with soap and water can help prevent the flu virus from spreading.
Cover your mouth and nose – Use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Stay home when sick – If you are experiencing symptoms of the flu, stay home to avoid infecting others.
Clean frequently touched surfaces – Use disinfectant wipes or sprays to clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, handles, and keyboards.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention for the Flu?

If you are experiencing severe symptoms or are at risk of developing complications from the flu, you should seek medical attention. Some groups of people are more at risk of developing complications, including:.

People over the age of 65
Children under the age of 5, especially those under 2 years old
Pregnant women
People with weakened immune systems
People with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease

Complications from the flu can include pneumonia, bronchitis, and other respiratory illnesses. Seeking medical attention early can help prevent these complications and reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the influenza outbreak and the fatalities that have been reported are a cause for concern. The flu is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious complications, especially for those with weakened immune systems.

However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and others from getting sick. By getting vaccinated, washing your hands, and staying home when sick, you can help prevent the spread of the virus and reduce your risk of getting sick.