Let’s find out ‘What Are The 5 Life Saving Tips To Know About This Flu Season By Doctors?’ With some weeks now, the flu season has dominated headlines, and for good reason. Despite the fact that winter has not yet officially begun, a rise in cases has been anticipated by many health professionals, and it has already begun.
According to John Mourani, MD, Medical Director of Infectious Disease Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, “Influenza has been on the rise early this season compared to past ones and there is worry as we have not seen much influenza in the last couple of years.”
Hospitalization rates have increased along with cases, which is taxing the healthcare system. Many cities report that their hospitals are at full capacity and that the staff is under stress. According to MyNorthwest, Tony Woodward, the emergency medicine medical director at Seattle Children’s Hospital, said that the hospital is running at “100% capacity almost 24 hours a day and in the evenings up to 300% capacity.”
According to Woodward, “It’s a huge volume, huge surges, the viruses, the triple-demic as we’ve talked about, that’s really a twin-demic at the moment with the flu and RSV,” and “[There’s] a lack of availability in the hospitals which are full, and a lack of availability in the communities which are full, compounded by the staffing crisis in all those places, has really led to a spot where the [emergency
Many people have not gotten a flu vaccination despite doctors’ recommendations to do so, which are being spread across the nation. According to CSL Seqirus’s Ashesh Gandhi, PharmD, Regional Head of Medical Affairs, Americas “In addition to the early warning indicators, we are now witnessing reduced seasonal flu vaccination rates.
Only 49% of people said they intended to receive a flu vaccine this season, according to a survey by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases that gauges consumer intent. The numbers are actually much lower than that to date, with significantly fewer people having received vaccinations at this stage of the season compared to the previous two years.”
Consume This, Not That! Experts were consulted by Health to provide information on the flu this season and the common symptoms that cause people to seek emergency medical attention. Continue reading and pay close attention to these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID to protect your health and the health of others.
The Flu Is Deadly, But Mortality Rates Differ Every Year
According to Dr. Mourani, 3–11% of the population contracts influenza annually. Therefore, although it may not necessarily be deadlier, immunity is likely lower than usual. The mortality rate varies from one year to the next. We have noticed an increase in the number of flu cases earlier than we have in the past, which is concerning, says Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, Urgent Care Medical Director and Physician, Carbon Health and Saint Mary’s Hospital. It’s very difficult to predict how deadly this season will be right now.
International SOS’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Mark Fischer, says:
The CDC reports that 1,300 people have died from the flu so far this season. The flu season this year began earlier than usual and has already been shown to be more severe than in previous seasons. It is still too early in the flu season to say whether this year will be deadlier than usual. Having all of the recommended vaccinations current is crucial.
This Is When You’re Most Contagious
According to Dr. Curry-Winchell: “In the first three to four days following the onset of your symptoms, you are most likely to spread the flu virus to others. If you feel unwell at all, the best recommendation is to stay at home.” According to Dr. Mourani, the first 3 to 4 days of symptom onset are when the flu is most contagious, but it can also be contagious up to 7 days before that.
Adding, Dr. Fischer “The first 3–4 days after becoming ill are the most infectious for those who catch the flu. Even though it is the time when the flu is most likely to spread, persons who have it are still infectious until their symptoms subside. This is due to the fact that each individual’s immune system defends the body at a varied rate, depending on the person.
Most adults only have symptoms for approximately a week, but children and persons with weak immune systems may experience symptoms for longer. When treated as outpatients for influenza, the majority of patients are contagious for at least 24 hours after their fever has subsided without the aid of fever-reducers.”
Some People Are At Greater Risk Of Dying From The Flu
As stated by Dr. Mourani, “Complications are more likely to occur in adults 65 and older and in those with comorbid conditions, such as chronic lung and heart conditions and weakened immune systems, but they can also happen to pregnant women and children under the age of five. The best defense against serious illness is vaccination, but transmissions are still possible.”
Chief Medical Officer for Clearing, Dr. Jacob Hascalovici, says, “Though flu patterns and which populations are most affected can change from year to year, people with weakened immune systems and those over 65 are frequently among those who are most at risk of dying from the illness. A person’s risk is frequently increased if they suffer from a chronic illness, such as heart disease or a compromised immune system, as their body is then more stressed and less able to fight off flu.”
The Flu Spreads Quickly And Here’s Why
Dr. Hascalovici informs us that “The fact that there are several viruses or various viral strains that may cause the flu makes it infectious. These viruses have a rapid rate of mutation, therefore a given vaccination might not offer protection against a recently modified strain. Despite this, getting the flu shot is still recommended because it can offer full protection against some strains and partial protection against others.”
To quote Dr. Fischer, “The effectiveness of a vaccine varies from year to year and is also influenced by the age and health of the recipient. Because there are different strains of the flu every year and in every community, the flu is so contagious that the effectiveness of the vaccine depends on how well it matches the strain that is currently circulating in your area.”
The Flu Is No Joke! These Symptoms Are Sending People To The ER
As per Dr. Fishcer, “Fever, chills, aches, cough, sore throat, exhaustion, and headaches are a few of the flu’s more typical symptoms. Even while symptoms usually subside within a few days, some people may need to contact a doctor as soon as symptoms appear. If you start to experience any unusual or severe symptoms, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe dehydration, or extreme muscle pain, you should see a doctor.
Priority groups with influenza can receive antiviral medications. Clinical factors can be used by medical professionals to choose treatment plans.”
As per Dr. Hascalovici, “Flu frequently spreads quickly, so you could feel it “strike” you all of a sudden. Muscle pains, a high body temperature, coughing, a sore throat, a runny nose, headaches, and a strong sense of exhaustion are typical symptoms. It might be time to see a doctor if you have trouble breathing, torso pain, dizziness, severe muscular pain, extreme fatigue, or a feeling that any chronic conditions you may have are getting worse.”
