As the winter months settle in, the flu season has begun to rear its ugly head. But this year, the flu is hitting harder than ever before, with intensive care units across the country struggling to cope with the influx of patients.

According to recent reports, at least 123 flu patients have been admitted to intensive care units across the US, with some hospitals experiencing significant strain on their resources.

What is the Flu?

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

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.

The Severity of This Year’s Flu Season

This year’s flu season is shaping up to be one of the worst on record.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there has been a sharp increase in flu activity in recent weeks, with influenza A/H3N2 viruses being the most common strain detected so far. This particular strain of the flu is known to cause more severe illness, especially in elderly people and young children.

Why Are ICU’s Overwhelmed?

The increase in flu cases is putting significant pressure on intensive care units across the US. Many hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of patients, and are having to make difficult decisions about how to allocate their resources.

The high numbers of flu patients also mean that there is a shortage of beds, medical equipment, and staff to care for them.

In some cases, hospitals have had to transfer patients to other facilities or cancel elective surgeries to free up space. Some hospitals have even resorted to setting up overflow tents to treat patients.

Related Article Flu outbreak claims 71 lives

Preventing the Flu

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting the flu vaccine. The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of six months should get vaccinated against the flu each year.

The flu vaccine is safe and effective, and can significantly reduce your risk of getting sick.

In addition to getting vaccinated, it’s also important to practice good hand hygiene, cover your coughs and sneezes, and avoid close contact with sick people.

If you do get sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.

Treatment for the Flu

If you do get sick with the flu, there are treatments available that can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the duration of the illness.

Antiviral drugs like Tamiflu can help reduce the severity of flu symptoms if taken within the first 48 hours of illness onset.

It’s important to stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and avoid smoking and alcohol while you’re sick. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate fever and body aches.

Conclusion

This year’s flu season is hitting harder than ever, with intensive care units across the US struggling to cope with the influx of patients.

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated, practicing good hand hygiene, and avoiding close contact with sick people. If you do get sick, stay home, and seek medical attention if your symptoms are severe.