The Flu Has Already Killed 2K People This Year, Here’s How You Can Stay Safe

It is cold and flu season and while we anticipate it every year, we can’t anticipate just how bad it will be season to season.

Unfortunately, The Flu Has Already Killed 2K People This Year and it’s worth knowing about so you can keep you and your family safe.

The Flu Has Already Killed 2K People This Year, Here’s How You Can Stay Safe

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) issued a statement informing the public that over 3.7 million flu related illness and over 3,300 deaths have already happened as a result to the flu.

While the deaths may seem like such a small number compared to those that have become ill from the flu, it still is scary to think about. It is also even worse when those numbers have happened over a two month’s span from October 1, 2019 – December 7, 2019.

Currently, the flu is on the rise throughout the nation but in particular, 16 states are especially being hit including: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

Now, aside from trying to keep you and your kids in a bubble, in your home, all winter long, there are a few things you can do to keep you and your family safe.

When is flu season?

The CDC states that peak flu season is October – March. These are also the months typically associated with cold, winter weather.

Who is at high risk for complications from the flu?

• Adults 65 years and older
• Children younger than 2 years old¹
• Pregnant women and women up to 2 weeks after the end of pregnancy
• American Indians and Alaska Natives
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

How can I keep my family safe from the flu?

The CDC recommends:

• Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year before flu activity begins in their community.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like flu.

Basically, wash your hands with soap and water regularly and stay away from anyone who is sick especially those that are considered high risk.

I surely hope none of you get the flu and can be healthy and happy all winter long!