01/05/2018
(CNN) - Flu season is well underway across the United States.
Thirty-six states reported widespread flu activity during the week ending December 23, this includes Alabama. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's most recent surveillance report. An additional 13 states Puerto Rico recorded regional activity: Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah and Vermont.
Nationwide, 12 children have died due to flu this season, while a total of 2,485 flu-related hospitalizations -- nearly nine for every 100,000 people -- have been reported. The highest rate of hospitalization was among adults 65 or older, followed by adults between 50 and 64 and then children up to 4 years old.
Experts believe the flu virus is spread when a sick person talks, sneezes or coughs. Common symptoms include fever and chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle and body aches, headaches and fatigue. Despite these painful symptoms, most people will recover in less than two weeks.
People considered to be at high risk for complications include hospitalized patients; patients with severe or progressive illnesses; cancer patients, HIV patients and those with compromised immune systems; nursing home or health facility residents; children 5 years old and younger; adults 65 and older; women who are pregnant or within two weeks postpartum; and people with asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and serious disorders.
You can infect others from one day before you get sick to about five to seven days after developing symptoms.
If you become very sick, you may need a prescription antiviral drug to help you recover. Antivirals are known to work best when given within 48 hours, but even when taken later than that, these drugs can be helpful to people who become very ill.
These are the emergency warning signs telling you that your child needs to see a doctor immediately: trouble breathing or fast breathing; bluish skin color; not drinking enough fluids; not waking up or not interacting; irritability and not wishing to be held; symptoms improve but then return even worse; or fever with a rash.
Adults with these emergency warning signs also need to see a doctor without delay: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen; sudden dizziness; confusion; severe or persistent vomiting.
Both strains type A & B are being reported in our local area (Mobile & Baldwin counties). The flu vaccine has not proven to be very effective this year, but some coverage will be better than no coverage at all. Saad Healthcare still has vaccinations available & nurses can administer to patients inside their homes. If you would like to have more information about the products & services we can offer to you or a loved one please call Saads at (251)239-3384. And remember the most effect ways to prevent transmission of the flu, wash your hands thoroughly, cover you mouth when coughing or sneezing, and properly disposing of contaminated tissues.
