Here is some bad news coming from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC health officials predict that the flu is more likely to increase in the next few weeks.
Just when we thought we were out of this flu season, CDC comes up with a grim prediction that the bad part of flu is yet to come.
CDC health officials predict that there is a 60 percent chance of flu season has not even reached its peak and the worst is about to come within the next few weeks.
Tampa General Hospital experts tell U.S. flu season usually runs from October 1 to March 31. When compared with the last year’s flu season, this season was quite moderate.
With this new CDC predication, how you can protect yourself? Is it very late for a flu shot? Will the shots be effective?
Medical professionals have assured that it is certainly not too late to take a flu shot. They have started encouraging patients to get a flu shot right away in order to prevent catching flow, although flu vaccine often takes a couple of weeks to be fully effective.
For people in Florida, the warm and sunny weather is bringing a false sense of security. Tampa General Hospital experts warn people not to get fooled by the 80-degree beach weather. They say the flu is quite active now, irrespective of temperature.
Nancy Epps, a registered nurse at Tampa General Hospital, said, “When the weather does start warming up, flu does decrease.” “But, it still doesn’t totally go away. We have flu cases that go all the way into May and even in the summertime, there is still some flu hanging around.”
According to the CDC, 80,000 people died during the flu season last year. Epps said, “Last year was bad,” “This year, we’re seeing more respiratory illness cases. But, we’re still seeing cases of the flu.”
Many people have been asking why last year’s flu season was so bad when compared with this year.
Experts say last year’s flu shot was 38 percent effective and the flu shots, this year, have been much more effective. Epps mentioned, “The best course of action is good respiratory practice. Wash your hands. If you sneeze, try to sneeze into your sleeve or into a tissue, then dispose of it.” “And, of course, get the flu shot. It’s not too late.”
