Flu Season: Take Precaution

By Hannah Wagner

As mid February approaches, so does the peak of flu season. It is important now, more than ever, to know how the virus is spread and how to avoid it.

With 32 pediatric deaths so far this season, according to healthline.com, health experts predict the United States may be gearing up for one of the worst flu seasons in years. These pediatric deaths are the most flu-related deaths seen since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began tracking flu numbers 17 years ago.

“In total, there have been at least 9.7 million cases of the flu, at least 87,000 flu-related hospitalizations and up to 12,000 deaths,” said the CDC website.

Most of the pediatric deaths come as a result of influenza B, the strain children are most commonly affected by. Influenza A, which can be spread by animals, is slowly but surely gaining momentum.

Students are extremely susceptible to contracting the flu.

One preventative measure against getting the flu this season is to receive a flu shot. It is impossible for this vaccine to successfully target every flu variation, according to healthline.com, due to the constant mutating of flu strains each year. Though the vaccine is not perfect, it will reduce the severity and length of the illness if the flu is caught after the vaccine. 

Not only is taking precautions important for you, but it also aids in preventing others from developing the flu as well. Student are constantly in close quarters, and it is important to take the steps necessary.

In addition to getting the flu shot, there are other vital steps one can take to prevent contracting the flu. According to Loma Linda University Health, some of these steps include washing your hands often, covering your mouth when coughing and avoiding the emergency room if possible, which is open to additional germs and illnesses.

Lisa Keys, M.D., is a huge advocate for the flu shot. “The number of deaths this year has already surpassed 7,000,” Lisa explains. “We need to think about how much we could lower the risk if everybody received a flu shot,” she says.