Is it Too Early to Think About the Flu in Pennsylvania?
The flu in Pennsylvania will evolve over time, and this makes it harder to treat, doctors say.
Because the flu is constantly changing and continually circulating, it can pass through other species, gaining experience along the way that makes it resistant to vaccines.
“Flu season in North America is about to begin and the version of the sickness Americans develop this year will have likely already troubled people on the other side of the world.
“t’s a very unique virus,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, noting the flu’s ability to mutate.
Unlike viruses like the measles, the flu changes year to year, causing the need for vaccine updates. It’s a respiratory virus, and Fauci said it thrives in dry, cold weather during the months that people congregate more inside.
Sometimes extremely virulent strains cause pandemics, like the 1918 Spanish Flu, which killed up to 100 million people. Fauci said the virus that year experienced a “shift, a significant change that created a more deadly disease.”
We recommend that you start thinking about the flu early this year, boosting your immune system with healthy foods and vitamins, and learning flu prevention tips.
Flu Prevention - Practical Tips on How To Safeguard Seniors During Flu Season:
Flu season can get downright nasty, and an infected senior loved one can not only mean discomfort for them, but also potentially more serious complications like pneumonia and side effects like delirium. There are, however, some things that everyone can do to help prevent the flu. The Centers for Disease Control offers these three tips to keep your senior loved ones and yourself safe from the flu:
Get a flu vaccine. The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Vaccination of those people at high risk of catching the flu will decrease the risk of severe flu illness. People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, and people 65 years or older
Take everyday actions to stop the spread of germs. Avoid close quarters with sick people. If you have the flu, the CDC recommends staying home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to avoid infecting them. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away after use. Wash hands often with soap and water, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way.
Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can treat your illness. Antiviral drugs aren't antibiotics. They're prescription medicines and aren't available over-the-counter. Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when started within two days of getting sick, but starting them later can still help, especially if the sick person is high-risk or very sick from the flu. Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In extreme cases, there may be vomiting or diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.
Learn more Steps to help your loved one navigate flu season CLICK HERE: https://www.brightstarcare.com/resources/health-wellness/seniors-influenza
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Source:
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