The season for getting sick has started. Here are the latest numbers from the CDC statistics.
Many people in the United States had the flu
over the holidays, with 40 states reporting a high level of illness last week,
according to the most recent health data.
Carrie Reed, PhD, from the CDC, stated that there is "a lot of flu out
there."
Several microorganisms can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore
throat. One of these is COVID-19. Another is RSV, or respiratory syncytial
virus, which can induce cold-like symptoms and is harmful for infants and the
elderly.
According to Reed, the flu is spreading more
than other diseases, according to the most recent CDC data. There are several
flu strains, but no single strain is the most common.
According to Dr. Jason Newland, a specialist at Nationwide Children's Hospital
in Ohio, children's hospitals have been occupied with RSV since November, but
now the flu is also posing issues.
He continued, "Now things are really picking up, and our hospitals are
busy."
The
number of doctor visits for flu-like symptoms is one approach to gauge flu activity.
That number last week was comparable to the peak of the virus season last
winter, which also occurred around this time of year. Reed said many people
avoid going to the doctor during the holidays unless they suddenly get very
sick, so the December data might not be completely accurate.
Last week, the flu hit the South, Southwest, and western U.S. the hardest.
States in the northern Great Plains and New England had fewer cases
This flu season, the CDC estimates there have been about 5.3 million flu cases,
63,000 hospital stays, and 2,700 deaths, including 11 children. According to
Dr. Newland, it's unclear if this winter will be more severe than usual, but
for children, it appears to be rather typical thus far.
The CDC is also watching an increase in norovirus, with 91 outbreaks reported
in early December.
They’re also keeping an eye on bird flu (type A H5N1). Last year, there were 66
human cases in the U.S., but none were reported last week.
According to Reed, there is little risk to the
public because the cases are uncommon and dispersed. There is no proof that it
passes from person to person, and the majority of cases were from close contact
with infected animals.
A comprehensive guide to treating fever, cough, sore throat, and other flu-like symptoms may be found here:
These steps help manage symptoms and support recovery:Sleep and Drinking Water:
To assist your body combat the illness, get lots of sleep.
Avoid dehydration by consuming fluids such as water, clear broths, herbal teas, or electrolyte solutions.
Food:
Consume nutrient-dense, light foods such as fruits, vegetables, and soups to strengthen your immune system.
Zinc-rich foods (nuts, seeds) and vitamin C-rich foods (oranges, berries, kiwis) may be helpful.
Remain Warm:
Keep your body warm to prevent colds and aches in your muscles.
Solutions for Particular Symptoms
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs for Fever:
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce fever and ease body pains.
Cool Compress: To lower body temperature, place a moist, cool cloth on your wrists or forehead.
Drink lots of fluids because a high fever can lead to dehydration and sweating.
To relieve colds and aches in your muscles, keep your body warm.
Cough
Honey and Warm Drinks:Mix honey with warm water or herbal tea to soothe the throat and reduce coughing (not for children under 1 year).
Inhaling steam: To release mucus, inhale steam from a bowl of hot water or take a hot shower.
Cough Syrups:
Use OTC cough suppressants (like dextromethorphan) for dry coughs or expectorants (like guaifenesin) for wet coughs.
Gargle with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water) to soothe sore throats and eliminate microorganisms.
Throat Lozenges: Use pharmaceutical lozenges to ease discomfort and inflammation in the throat.Warm Teas:
Chamomile, ginger, or licorice root teas can soothe the throat.
(Sinus and Nasal) congestion
Nasal Saline Spray:
Use a saline spray or rinse with a neti pot to clear nasal passages.
Humidifier:
Use a humidifier to keep the air moist, reducing nasal irritation.
Elevate Your Head:
Sleep with your head slightly elevated to improve nasal drainage.
Herbal and Natural TreatmentsGinger Tea: Ginger's anti-inflammatory qualities helps ease coughing and sore throats.Elderberry Syrup:
May shorten the duration of flu symptoms.Garlic:
Has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Consuming garlic may strengthen your immune system.Turmeric Milk:
Warm milk with turmeric can help reduce inflammation and provide relief.
Humidifier:
Use a humidifier to keep the air moist, reducing nasal irritation.Elevate Your Head:
oSleep with your head slightly elevated to improve nasal drainage.
Avoidance While Recovering
Remain Isolated: To stop the illness from spreading, stay away from other people.Hand hygiene: Use hand sanitizer or wash your hands often with soap and water.Clean Surfaces:Clean commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and countertops.
Wear a Mask:
If you need to interact with others, wear a mask to protect them.
When to Consult a Physician
Seek medical help if your fever exceeds 103°F (39.4°C) or lasts longer than three days.You suffer from shortness of breath or breathing difficulties.The symptoms first become better and then get worse.There’s severe chest pain or persistent dizziness.
It’s for a young child, elderly person, or someone with a weak immune system.
Vaccination and Preventive Care
Flu Vaccine:Get an annual flu shot to reduce the risk of severe illness.
COVID-19 Vaccine:
Ensure vaccinations are up to date for COVID-19.
Healthy Lifestyle:
Maintain a strong immune system by exercising, eating well, and sleeping enough.
These measures, combined with timely medical care when needed, can help manage flu-like symptoms and speed up recovery
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