Tip/Thought of the Day

Help Keep The Flu At Bay With These Easy Tips

The CDC estimates that up to 20% of the United Sates population gets the flu each year. The flu isn’t just a bad cold, it can cause serious complications in those at high risk (like the very young, pregnant women, people over 65, and those with a compromised immune system).

  • 200,000 — Average number of Americans hospitalized each year because of problems with the illness.
  • 3,000 to 49,000 — Number of people who die each year from flu-related causes in the U.S.
  • $10 billion+ — Average costs of hospitalizations and outpatient doctor visits related to the flu.
  • 1 to 4 days –– Typical time it takes for symptoms to show up once you’ve caught the virus. Adults can be contagious from the day before symptoms begin through 5 to 10 days after the illness starts.
flu-peak-activity-updated
Peak Month of Flu Activity 1982-1983 through 2017-2018

Prevention is key when it comes to fighting the flu. Simple tactics can be used to decrease the chance you catch the flu this season:


  • Get the flu shot. It isn’t too late- use this vaccine finder to find a location that provides flu shots near you.
  • Wash your hands frequently (or use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available)
  • Disinfect high traffic areas
  • Stay home if you are feeling ill
  • Avoid being around those that are sick
  • Don’t touch your face- one study done at UC Berkeley found people touch their faces an average of 15.7 times an hour!
  • Use a tissue or your elbow when you sneeze or cough (you might already be sick and not know it- it can take a couple of days before symptoms of flu show themselves).

Using these simple tactics, we can avoid illness during this cold and flu season.

dsc_0323    -Dr. Courtney

Sources:

-consumerreports.org/health-wellness/stay-healthy-this-winter/

-webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-statistics

-cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season.htm

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