Brace Yourselves, Guys: The Flu Season 2017-2018 is Here!
Alright, folks, it's that time of the year again when the flu season 2017-2018 is upon us, and we need to gear up and protect ourselves. So, let's dive right in and find out what makes this flu season special, how to stay safe, and what to do if you catch the flu 2017-2018. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and flu season 2017-2018.
What's up with the Flu Season 2017-2018?
The flu season 2017-2018 is shaping up to be quite a challenge, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting widespread flu activity in many parts of the country. The flu 2017-2018 is caused by the H3N2 virus, which is known for causing more severe illness and complications, especially in young children and older adults.
Why is H3N2 so tough?
The H3N2 virus is a bit of a troublemaker because it mutates quickly, making it harder for the vaccine to keep up. This year's vaccine is a quadrivalent vaccine, which means it protects against two influenza A viruses (H1N1 and H3N2) and two influenza B viruses. However, the vaccine's effectiveness against H3N2 is estimated to be around 30%, which is lower than what we'd like.
How to Protect Yourself During the Flu Season 2017-2018
Now that we know what we're up against, let's talk about how to stay safe during the flu 2017-2018.
Get vaccinated, folks!
The first line of defense against the flu 2017-2018 is to get vaccinated. Even though this year's vaccine isn't as effective against H3N2, it's still the best way to protect yourself and others. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every year.
Wash those hands!
Regular hand washing is another powerful tool to prevent the spread of the flu 2017-2018. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and scrub for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid close contact
Stay away from people who are sick, and if you're the one who's under the weather, keep your distance from others to prevent spreading the flu 2017-2018. If possible, wear a face mask when you're around others.
Cover your mouth and nose
When you sneeze or cough, use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose. This helps to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets that can contain the flu virus.
Symptoms and What to Do If You Catch the Flu 2017-2018
If you do catch the flu 2017-2018, here's what to expect and what to do.
Flu symptoms
Flu symptoms typically come on suddenly and can include:
Fever or feeling feverish (though not everyone with the flu will have a fever) Cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Muscle or body aches Headaches Fatigue Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults
What to do if you catch the flu 2017-2018
If you think you have the flu 2017-2018, stay home and rest. Avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the virus. Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. However, if you have severe symptoms, are at high risk for complications, or are not improving after a few days, seek medical attention.
Antiviral drugs can be prescribed by a doctor to treat the flu 2017-2018 and may make you feel better and reduce the risk of complications. These drugs work best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
High-Risk Groups and Flu Complications
Certain groups are at high risk for flu complications, including:
Young children, especially those younger than 5 years Adults 65 years and older Pregnant women and women up to two weeks postpartum People with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease * People with weakened immune systems
If you fall into one of these high-risk groups, it's especially important to take precautions to prevent the flu 2017-2018 and to seek medical attention if you become ill.
Stay Informed and Stay Safe, Guys!
The flu season 2017-2018 is here, and it's important to stay informed and take steps to protect yourself and others. By getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and seeking medical attention when needed, we can all do our part to stay safe and healthy during this challenging flu season.
So, let's roll up our sleeves, get vaccinated, and tackle the flu 2017-2018 head-on, guys! Stay safe out there!