{"id":2537,"date":"2013-01-22T11:31:43","date_gmt":"2013-01-22T11:31:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nclnet.org\/as_the_flu_season_hits_hard_learn_how_to_protect_yourself\/"},"modified":"2021-03-18T08:13:55","modified_gmt":"2021-03-18T08:13:55","slug":"as_the_flu_season_hits_hard_learn_how_to_protect_yourself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nclnet.org\/as_the_flu_season_hits_hard_learn_how_to_protect_yourself\/","title":{"rendered":"As the flu season hits hard, learn how to protect yourself – National Consumers League"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"92_ayanna\"By Ayanna Johnson, Health Policy Associate<\/strong><\/p>\n

After the first of the year, it seems like influenza (flu) season magically appeared, with a fierce intensity. Cases of flu are growing fast, and it is predicted that this season might be one of the worst in years. Hospitals and emergency departments are being inundated with cases; many people are quite sick and some have died. The flu is scary, but it\u2019s not too late to get vaccinated against this year\u2019s strain.<\/p>\n

In New York alone, more than 19,000 cases of flu have been reported thus far; compare that to just 4,000 cases last year.\u00a0 Boston has seen more than 700 cases and has declared a state of public health emergency. Twenty-nine states are reporting higher than average levels of influenza.\u00a0 To find out where the flu is near you, check out Flunearyou.org<\/a>, an interactive map that shows the number of cases people are reporting in your area.<\/p>\n

The flu has caused dozens of deaths across the US; two have been children. Though the CDC only collects data on adult deaths at the end of flu season; some states have released early figures. On January 11, Minnesota, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania each reported over 20 deaths. As of January 5, 2013, CDC reported that \u201cthe proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza is slightly above the epidemic threshold for the first time this season.\u201d<\/p>\n

Is it the cold or Flu?<\/b><\/p>\n

One of the most common questions heard during the flu season is \u201cHow do I know if I have the flu or a cold?\u201d That\u2019s a great question that can be difficult to untangle. Colds typically are less severe and accompanied by a stuffy or runny nose. The flu is often characterized by a fever, cough and\/or sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and\/or diarrhea (most common in children).<\/p>\n

Check out this infographic<\/a> from APHA to determine if what you have might be the flu or a cold. Of course, it is always best to consult your health care provider.<\/p>\n

Get Vaccinated!<\/b><\/p>\n