Flu Season 2018 Update: Influenza Slow to Spread

Flu season 2018 is already starting to take lives. Are you protected?

Get Your Flu Shot

Last year’s terrible flu season should be a reminder to everyone to get their flu vaccination. During the 2017-2018 season, the flu killed 80,000 Americans and sent 900,000 to the hospital. It’s no secret that last year’s flu season was one of the worst in decades, but many Americans still haven’t gotten their flu shots this year.

The best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccination. If you haven’t done so already, please do. You need to get the flu shot every year to protect yourself, your family, and your workplace. This is because the strain of the flu changes every year as does the vaccine.

Weekly Update

Currently, flu is starting to spread across portions of the U.S. Many states are seeing sporadic cases of the flu. Here’s our update for this week, provided by Earth Networks Meteorologist, Alexa Maines.

Widespread Activity (0 States): None

Local Activity (6 States and Guam): Connecticut, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon, and Guam

Regional Activity (2 States): Maryland and Texas

Sporadic Activity (40 States, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands): Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming

No Activity (2 states): Mississippi and Virginia

Fast Flu Season 2018 Facts

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all people older than six months of age get the seasonal flu vaccine. For this flu season 2018, the CDC does not recommend using the nasal flu spray. To learn more about the vaccine, its side effects, and options, please check with your doctor or pharmacist. There are several multi-strain variations available this year.

It’s very important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist regarding the flu shot because not everyone is eligible to get one. Certain health restrictions keep some people from getting the flu shot. If you cannot get one, there are other things you can do to minimize your risk of catching this life-threatening illness during flu season 2018. They are:

• Avoid close contact with those who are sick
• Avoid exposing others when you are sick. Stay home from work or school if you are exhibiting symptoms
• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth

While the fall is the best time of the year to get your flu shot it’s never “too late.” It’s important to note that it takes a couple of weeks for your body to develop flu antibodies to protect itself.

Remember, the flu shot cannot give you the flu. However, you may experience side effects like a runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches, and even a mild fever.

It’s also important to remember that getting the flu shot doesn’t mean you won’t get the flu. The good thing about the flu shot is that it can help you from catching it as easily and can even help keep symptoms from being as bad.