Fighting the Flu

4/17/2017 (Permalink)

The weather has become increasingly warmer, but that does not mean the flu season is over yet. Flu season started October 2016, and it may come as a surprise, but the official season does not end until May.

This season the flu has hit residents of Durham county and the entire state especially hard with the death toll now at 170. This is a stark comparison to the 59 flu related deaths across the state from last year.

Each season the influenza vaccine is changed to accommodate suspected strains. According to the CDC this year Flu B is the most common strain. For those that were vaccinated early the effectiveness of the vaccine is reported to be 73%.

With another two weeks to go until flu season is officially over, health officials still recommend vaccines. Other preventative steps include:

• Washing your hands. Soap and water is still the most effective way to kill germs. In those instances when soap and water is not available, hand sanitizer is a good alternative.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Stay at home if you have had a fever. Remain home bound until you have been fever free without the aid of any fever reducing medication for 24 hours.
• Cover your sneezes and coughs with a disposable tissue.

The flu season is nearly over. We want our community to stay safe and healthy and be ready for the upcoming summer fun!

Source: www.flu.nc.gov