There's currently a flu outbreak within the United States of epidemic porportions and it has many health experts concerned. According to the CDC this is the most cases of flu they have seen this time of year in over a decade.
Why is this year's flu causing more severe cases?
The type of flu that is going around is called Influenza A (H3N2), which is often linked to more serious diseases than other flu varieties, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, told CNN. People could get more complications from this particular strain, which would make them sick for a longer period of time.
What is flu?
As per WebMD. "Influenza, commonly shortened to "flu," is an extremely contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses. Flu appears most frequently in winter and early spring. The flu virus attacks the body by spreading through the upper and/or lower respiratory tract". Flu like symptoms can be prevented by frequent washing of hands throughout the day, avoiding large crowds such as parties, gatherings and functions. According to the CDC flu kills about 36,000 people in the united states each year, thought the range varies greatly each year.Most deaths are caused by complications from the flu.
If I Get the flu should I go to the emergency room?
You should go to the ER immediately if:
-- You have difficulty breathing or have pain in your chest
-- You can't keep fluids down because of nausea and vomiting
-- Your fever or cough gets better, then worsens
