One hundred flu-related deaths have been reported in Kentucky. “But they sort of fixed that so now it seems like we’ve been doing pretty good with being able to keep it on our shelves, but it has been going pretty quick”, Johnson said. That’s the highest level since the swine flu pandemic in 2009. People can have the respiratory symptoms without a fever. “This season is on that more severe side. Nathalie (Tomaszewski) even hugged me when I came back”, Swanson said. The region has reported 3,442 flu cases. “We are already on track to meet and possibly exceed these statistics for the 2017-18 flu season”.
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Hospitalizations also vary widely depending on the severity of the season.
The state Health Department recommends that people who are very sick, or people who are sick ad at high risk of serious complications of the flu, be treated early with flu antiviral drugs.
Federal health officials said Friday that 53 children nationwide have died from the flu this season and that hospitalization rates are at their highest in almost a decade, according to USA TODAY.
The flu usually peaks in February. With those numbers expected to increase health officials in north Georgia are stepping up flu prevention efforts. But so far it hasn’t worked out that way.
If you DO start to feel sick and get similar symptoms, see a doctor immediately. The CDC’s forecast though wasn’t quite as precise as Punxsutawney Phil’s; the groundhog “predicted” six more weeks of winter on Friday. Inside of American Family Care, you have to wear a mask just to go inside and this isn’t surprising as we are knee deep in the worst flu season doctors haave seen in years.
Since the beginning of September, there have been 12 influenza A outbreaks, 23 influenza B outbreaks and four outbreaks with both strains in hospitals, nursing homes and retirement facilities. Friday’s report covers the week ending January 27. The CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older be vaccinated against the flu each year. People can spread the flu 24 hours before the onset of symptoms and up to seven days after symptoms begin.
“There are about three different medications that are antivirals that help with the flu, Tamiflu is the most popular, that’s the one that we carry”.
“Unfortunately, the vaccine is merely effective against this strain”, said Ahmad. But the data show a higher percentage of hospital visits for flu-like illnesses than in the previous two seasons.
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Still, there are easy ways for people to minimize their risk of catching the flu this year. This week she had a 101 temperature and was diagnosed with the flu. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. He believes he caught the Norovirus, a stomach illness that causes vomiting and diarrhea. “It’s great”, says Katherine Lockler.
