Get Your Flu Shot It's Not Too Late

By Michael Freedman, MD

Evolve Medical Clinic

. https://evolvemedicalclinics.com/

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Get Your Flu Shot It's Not Too Late

The flu risk remains elevated here in Maryland reaching one of the highest rates in years recently. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene FluWatch has reported flu rate intensity as the most severe intensity or moderate intensity, and widespread, for several weeks.

Health officials encourage those still unvaccinated to get vaccinated immediately it's not too late.

Nationwide, the flu virus continues to remain extremely active, including Maryland. The CDC's report in early March showed flu activity to be “high” to “extremely high”. In Maryland, the number of people being hospitalized overnight increased to the second highest level in years.

Learn about what you can do to prevent you and/or your family from getting the flu and what to do if you do get the flu.

Fast Facts About Flu

Between 3,000-49,000 people die every year from the flu
200,000 people are hospitalized every year due to flu
5-20% of the population gets the flu each year, on average
People are contagious from the day before symptoms start
People are contagious for 5-10 days after the illness starts (days after they feel better and return to work or school.)
The main flu virus this year is covered by the flu vaccine

What Are the Symptoms of Flu To Look For?

Symptoms usually start very suddenly and often include
Fever of 100.4-104F, which can reach 106F (41C)
Body aches and pain
Headache
Pain when you move your eyes.
Fatigue, a general feeling of sickness
Loss of appetite.
A dry cough, runny nose, and dry or sore throat.

Influenza usually does not cause symptoms in the stomach or intestines, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
How Long Is It Contagious?

People with the flu are contagious beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to 5-10 days after becoming sick. Most people have returned to work once their fever is gone, around days three or four, but remain contagious for up to a week more.

How Is Flu Spread?

Most cough, cold and flu viruses are thought to be passed from person to person by contact with respiratory droplets.

Contact can occur by direct bodily contact (such as kissing) or touching something with virus on it (such as shaking hands with someone who has the flu) and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Best way to prevent the flu or any contagious illness is frequent hand washing. Hand washing saves lives.

If you or someone in your family has sudden onset of high fever, whole body aches, chills and feels generally awful, see your provider right away. A rapid Flu Test is available to get an answer in 10 minutes. Remember that the only anti-viral treatment must be started within two days of symptom onset.

If you have been experiencing fever, headache, dry cough or any of the above symptoms, please see your doctor immediately remember that flu must be treated in the first 48 hours.