The 2017-2018 flu season is fast approaching, which may leave you wondering how you can protect yourself and what you can do to keep yourself and your family safe. Those suffering from flu symptoms may experience vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, muscle aches and pains, a fever and sweats. Flu prevention techniques like getting the flu shot early in the season can help you stay safe and healthy. You can also take a look at what experts forecast will happen during the 2017-2018 season.
Season Length
Making predictions is difficult because no one knows which varieties of the flu will strike and how the flu will change from one season to the next. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does predict how long the season will last though. According to the CDC, the flu season in the United States will start near the end of October or the beginning of November. The CDC predicts that it will hit its peak in December and last until February, though this organization does point out that some may still contract the flu up through May.
Number of Infected
Determining the exact number of people infected by the flu in a season is difficult because many people do not see a doctor or visit the hospital. They use over the counter products to deal with their symptoms at home. More than 100,000 people generally go to the hospital and get treatment during the season each year, but this figure only includes those required by a doctor to spend at least one night in the facility. Determining the number of deaths attributed to the flu is equally difficult. It generally affects those with weakened immune systems the hardest, including those with medical conditions like diabetes, children and the elderly.
Preventing the Spread
Getting the flu shot is a flu prevention tip that can help you stay safe until spring arrives. While some facilities offer a nasal spray that you inhale, this is not as effective at stopping the spread of the flu and may not work at all in some users, especially children. A flu shot is your best bet at avoiding the flu this winter. You can get this shot from your doctor, but many pharmacies now offer it too. Many health insurance policies cover the shot also. It takes only a few minutes to get the injection.
Who Can Get the Shot?
The flu shot is safe for use on anyone who is at least six months old. Children aged eight years old and under who never had the flu before will need two shots for the upcoming season. Doctors will administer one shot, wait four to six weeks and then administer the second. The shot is also safe for pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system. Hospitals often vaccinate their workers in September or October, and you should get your own shot before November starts.
Getting the flu shot is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of getting sick this winter. Experts believe that the season will start at the end of October or in early November and run through February or later. Flu prevention methods like getting the flu shot and staying home from work when you feel sick can keep you from infecting others during flu season.
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