Flu time of year is in full swing , and public health experts say it ’s going to be a doozy in 2017.AsSelfreports , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “ noted a ho-hum but steady increase ” in reported influenza cases in November and other December , and things are only expected to get risky in coming weeks , CDC officialsannounced .
The U.S. Outpatient Influenza - like Illness Surveillance internet ( ILINet)—which is made up of more than 2800 outpatient health care providers across America — chase after the portion of affected role seeking care for influenza - similar illnesses and reports them to the CDC each week . Recently , more patients have exhibited influenza - alike symptoms than normal , officials say . The CDC also note that the portion of respiratory specimens in clinical laboratories screen positive for influenza is on the raise .
Not only are more people getting sick with the grippe , they ’re being infected with influenza A virus , also known as H3N2 . In preceding flu seasons , H3N2 has been linked with more hospital care and demise than other strains , so it ’s considered more serious than other flu types — particularly for kids and elder . “ While it ’s not possible to predict which flu virus will hulk for the entire 2016 - 2017 influenza time of year , if H3N2 viruses remain to spread wide , quondam adults and unseasoned nipper may be more gravely impacted , ” the CDC pronounce .
Want a flu - free wintertime ? Wash your hands frequently , deflect tired of friends and co - workers , get prompt treatment with antiviral drugs if you do return badly — and get a flu stroke . The CDC recommends that everyone 6 month and older get their yearly flu shot . It ’s not too late , as the grippe season peaksbetween December and March . However , the vaccine does takes about two weeks to be fully effective , so earlier is better than later .
If you ’re wary of get a flu shot , we’lldispel a few misconceptionsthat might be forbid you from taking the plunge : No , a flu stroke does n’t give you the flu . No , it’snot dangerousfor fraught women . And yes , you could still get a flu shot if you’reallergic to eggs(but be trusted to utter up if that ’s the case , because the medical professional person may need to take extra precautions ) .
Unfortunately , the flu shot you received last flu season will not protect you in the coming months . There are many types of flu , and each year , sure straining are more dominant than others . That ’s why scientists and public wellness officials contrive new vaccines .
So go forth , get vaccinated , and outride levelheaded — but if the worst - slip scenario occurs and you do catch the influenza , ensure to protect your colleagues from your sickness bytaking sick daysas take .
[ h / tSelf ]
