Flu Season Is Officially Here

October 25,2013

By WeatherBug's Luke Paris

 

 

 

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The Centers for Disease Control has officially begun issuing its full influenza reports for the 2013-2014 flu season. Fortunately, the season so far has reported no widespread activity.

Locations with regional influenza activity were confined to Puerto Rico.

Elsewhere, local influenza was reported in Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina.

Sporadic influenza activity was reported in Guam, the District of Columbia, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

No influenza was reported last week in U.S. Virgin Islands, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Here are some flu facts:

A flu shot is still your best bet for keeping the flu at bay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends anyone older than 6 months get immunized. Remember: the flu shot cannot give you the flu, but some side effects are possible, including a runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches, and mild fever.

Due to certain health restrictions, not everyone is eligible to receive the flu shot. For those of you who are not able to get a flu shot, there are other things you can do to minimize your risk for contracting the flu:

• 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.