Flu Season Comes Sooner Than You Think

It still technically is summer, yet the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) says that it is time to consider flu season 2019-2020.

When is flu season?

All children older than 6 months and adults ought to receive a flu vaccine by the end of October 2019, according to the CDC. While the shot still is efficient for the ones who receive it later on in the winter or fall, getting vaccinated before the flu season is in full swing provides the best protection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adds.

While the shot isn’t perfect — during the previous year’s brutal season, it was just around 36 percent effective — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still suggests receiving one, since they may decrease the opportunities of obtaining and spreading the flu and severity of any ailments that occur. In addition, the shot usually is more effective in kids.

According to the CDC, the vaccine also was tweaked for the upcoming flu season peak hoping to target the viruses likely to circulate this year. Nasal sprays and standard vaccines both are suggested for the 2019-2020 flu season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine reminder comes after an especially intense flu season that sent over 30,000 folks to the hospital, as well as killed 180 kids — the greatest number recorded within any non-pandemic year since the year 2004, as the CDC started to track pediatric deaths. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cannot predict what this year’s flu season is going to be like, it suggests vaccination as a preventive step. 

Flu Season Symptoms

The flu might not initially seem like a common cold with a sore throat, runny nose, and sneezing. However, colds typically develop gradually, whereby the flu usually comes on suddenly. And even though a cold may be an annoyance, you generally feel a lot worse with the flu.

Common flu symptoms and signs include:

• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Weakness and fatigue
• Persistent, dry cough
• Headache
• Sweats and chills
• Aching muscles
• Fever over 38 C (100.4 F) 

When you should see a physician

The majority of folks who catch the flu may treat themselves at home and oftentimes do not have to see a physician.

If you experience flu symptoms and are at any risk of complications, visit the doctor immediately. Taking antiviral medications within the initial 48 hours after you originally see symptoms might decrease the length of your sickness and assist in preventing more-severe issues.

Prevention

The CDC suggests an annual flu vaccination for everyone age six months and up.

Each year's flu vaccine has protection from the 3 or 4 influenza viruses which are predicted to be the most typical in that year's flu season. For this year, the vaccine is going to be available as a nasal spray and as an injection.

The nasal spray has not been available for 2 years because of questions concerning its effectiveness. According to the CDC, the present version is predicted to be effective. The nasal spray still is not advised for some groups, like youth between two and four years of age with wheezing or asthma, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

The majority of types of flu vaccines have a small quantity of egg protein. If you have an allergy to eggs — you receive hives just from consuming eggs, for instance — it’s possible to get the flu shot without any extra precautions. If you have a serious egg allergy, you ought to be vaccinated within a medical setting and be supervised by a physician who has the ability to manage and recognize serious allergic conditions.

For more information on flu season contact BASS Urgent Care today!

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