Health is wealth is a universal truth nobody can deny. When a person gets sick, all that he desires is good health; his carnal possessions, wealth, gold and everything take the backseat.
Before common diseases like flu strikes someone, it is proper that he be armed with basic information about the disease so that he’ll be properly guided on what to do to prevent himself and his family from getting the malady.
According to the CENTERS FOR DISEASES CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC) flu is is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. In an average year, 5 to 20 percent of the US population gets the flu, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized with flu-related complications and about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. Some people, such as older people, young children and people with certain health conditions are at high risk for serious flu complications.
For the information and guidance of all concerned, hereunder are portions printed from a press release DOH issues Flu Advisory as US battles a Flu Epidemic, dated January 15, 2013:
The health chief (Sec.Enrique T. Ona) also revealed that the Department of Health is monitoring the flu season in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, over-all influenza activity remained elevated in the U.S. as of December 30 to January 5 period. Recently, influenza had reached epidemic proportions in several states.
Though the influenza season in the Philippines is from July to December of every year, Ona emphasized the need to be vigilant. “The Christmas season had brought in relatives from the United States to have their vacation here in the Philippines. I have instructed the Bureau of Quarantine to intensify fever screening at the points of entry.
From the above info the public is at least given insights and warning about the current flu season.
The CDC gives the following vital records and statistics regarding flu’s peaking period:
When will flu activity peak?
The timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary from season to season. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States in January or February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May. The 2011-2012 season began late and was relatively mild compared with previous seasons (see 2011-2012 Flu Season Draws to a Close for more information). The 2012-2013 influenza season began relatively early compared to recent seasons (see Press Briefing Transcript: U.S. Influenza Activity and Vaccination Rates for Current Season) and by January 11, 2013, flu activity was high across most of the United States. It is not possible to predict when the season will peak or how severe the 2012-2013 season will be, but based on past experience, it’s likely that flu activity will continue for some time. During the past 10 influenza seasons, the proportion of people visiting doctors for influenza-like illness (ILI) remained at or above baseline for an average of 12 consecutive weeks, with a range of 1 week (2011-2012 season) to 16 weeks (2005-2006 season). During the pandemic, the proportion of visits to doctors for ILI remained above the national baseline for 19 consecutive weeks.
What is CDC’s advice when a person is newly afflicted with flu. The following answers the question fully. Others important issues are likewise treated fully by the CDC. Just connect to the source below for more.
What should I do during flu season?
As always, get a flu vaccine every year. Getting vaccinated is the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. Vaccination efforts should continue as long as influenza viruses are circulating.
Also, you can help stop the spread of influenza and other diseases by doing the following things:
- If you get sick with flu-like illness, 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 without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to prevent the spread of germs.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.
While not a substitute for vaccination, these steps can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like influenza.
And remember, there are antiviral drugs that can treat flu illness. They can make your illness milder and help you feel better faster. They also can prevent serious flu-related complications, like pneumonia. For more information about antiviral drugs, visit Treatment – Antiviral Drugs.
Find out if you are at high risk of developing influenza-related complications if you get the flu.
Source: What You Should Know …
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