The flu season is creeping up once again. 2013 was one of the worst seasons on record, and 2014 was only slightly better. USA Today suggests that only 35% of people get vaccinated any given year, which is one of the leading reasons why the flu season is escalating. Viruses are evolving faster than people are willing to get vaccinated, and it is creating a situation that can possibly border on an epidemic.
There are, of course, the basics with Sickness Prevention. Be wary of touching high-traffic items. This could include door handles, gas handles, and even overlooked items such as ketchup bottles and restaurants or steering wheels. The North American Emergency Medical Center suggests washing hands close to ten times a day. This may seem neurotic, but consider how many times something is touched that is likely swarming with germs.
2013 was especially bad because of an evolved and deceptive version of the flu bug. It is possible a new iteration of this bug could return for 2015 and 2016, and that is concerning. A problem with the yearly strain is that the vaccines usually account for information from the previous year. 2014 slowed down largely because of the initiatives taken by scientific, medical leaders after the disastrous previous year.
Virus expert Vincent Racaniello from Columbia University reported that the flu season may be beginning earlier and earlier. In 2013 the season started roughly two weeks earlier with an uptick in flu cases. The same could occur for this coming year, so families need to be extra prepared as the school year begins, and the opportunity for sickness intensifies.
Sickness Prevention is sometimes seen as a team effort, especially when it comes to the flu during flu season. The biggest deterrent to flu spread is a vaccination, and it only works when a majority of the population partakes in it. The best thing anyone can do is to get vaccinated. The symptoms of flu are intense aches and pure misery. Avoid this emotional and physical disaster. Perhaps just as importantly, avoid it for those who will care for the bedridden with tea and love.
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