The flu season is at its peak and the need for the flu vaccination is greater than ever.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defined the flu as a contagious respiratory illness that can result in death.
Forty-five children in the United States have been reported dead this flu season due to the virus, according to the CDC. Experts say flu shots are critical in prevention of the flu.
”I got my flu shot two weeks before Christmas,” said Michael Gubbins a Wake Technical Community College student.
The flu on average lasts about two weeks according to CDC. There are two types of flu vaccines – the actual and better-known flu shot, and the newer nasal-spray fly vaccine.
The flu shot is recommended for people of the ages six months and older, and the nasal spray is recommended for the ages two years to 49 years old assuming the recipient is not pregnant.
The flu is a very contagious disease.
“Students’ should wash their hands often,” said Debbie Potter Director of Health Services at William and Peace University. “Washing your hands after using the computers or even door knobs in the dorm rooms, you never know who touched that door before you did.”
Statistics show that February is the month that the flu most commonly occurs – more than twice the amount of any other month.
Patty Owens a local business owner says, “When I got the flu last year it almost took my stomach a good month and a half to recover while the rest of my body was fine after just a couple weeks.”
Common symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and finally fatigue.
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms please go to your personal physician and get checked for the flu. If you have not received the flu vaccine, do so immediately.
