Gallup, best known to me for political polls, turned its attention to the flu in December, just past. With four percent of the population reporting they were sick with the flu, this was the highest incidence of flu in the years they have been covering the subject, since 2008.
The ordinary flu was not getting much attention. At that time we were pretty obsessed with Ebola which was really only an issue if you had been to Africa or worked with patients infected with Ebola. So while we were worrying about a disease that was quite unlikely to infect us, the ordinary flu was doing its damage. Especially at risk are small children and people over age 65. Already this flu season 21 children have died from the flu. Such statistics are not collected for adults.
How can you tell if it's the flu? Flu symptoms include: • A 100oF or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever) • A cough and/or sore throat • A runny or stuffy nose • Headaches and/or body aches • Chills • Fatigue • Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children).
We're not out of the woods yet. Historically, January and February have been the worst months. Unfortunately, the variety of flu for which the vaccine was developed is not the specific variety that is most prevalent thus year. Still, being vaccinated does some good. Also seeking medical help early in the illness is a good idea. Even if it means enduring the ER experience!
According to the government web site "Antiviral drugs are prescription drugs that can be used to treat the flu or to prevent infection with flu viruses. Treatment with antivirals works best when begun within 48 hours of getting sick, but can still be beneficial when given later in the course of illness.
Treatment with flu antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and shorter. Treatment with antivirals also can lessen serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or death. Antiviral drugs are effective across all age-and risk groups. Studies show that antiviral drugs are under-prescribed for people who are at high risk of complications who get flu."
Archive timeline: 2014: May and June - preparing for surgery, July - surgery and post op problems,
August - recovery and physical therapy, September - thinking medically, October - getting back to normal. November. -still in recovery, December-6 months and holding. 2015 January-current events.
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