It’s flu season 2019

by Nancy Bostrom

Flu is now widespread across nearly half the country and officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate there is good chance that flu activity could be at its peak.

While the number one way to protect yourself from catching the bug over the holidays is to get a flu vaccine, local physicians with American Family Care are spreading the word about ways you can avoid flu germs as the virus continues to spread like wildfire.

CONSIDER THIS ….

This time last flu season, only three states reported widespread flu. Today 23 states are reporting widespread flu.

In a recent media report, the National Foundation for Infection Diseases medical director Dr. William Schaffner says a B strain of influenza is dominant and this is “weird.”

Usually, we do not hear about B until the end of flu season, in early spring.

The “B virus” can infect anyone, generally strikes children and young adults more than the elderly.

Harvard University researchers say 20-30 percent of people carrying the flu virus do not have symptoms and they can spread flu germs to others up to six feet away!

It’s never too late to get a flu shot. It will not make you sick, it is a booster that helps your body fight off possible infection. The flu vaccine prevents death.

“Flu is a very contagious illness that we all should take very seriously this time of year,” says Dr. Benjamin Barlow, chief medical officer of American Family Care, the nation’s leading healthcare network with a local clinic. “The holiday season is a hot time for flu season because people are spending more time indoors together whether it be at a social gathering or because it is just too cold to go outside. Getting the flu shot and following a few habits to avoid flu germs can keep you healthy throughout the peak of the season.”

Nancy Bostrom is affliliated with the American Family Care group.