Each year in the United States, 25 to 50 million flu cases are reported. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year due to the virus.
After a tough flu season last year, people are doing what they can to prepare ahead of time, especially when it comes to keeping students safe across the tri-state.
Now health professionals are urging everyone, six months and older, to get vaccinated. According to the CDC, the best time to get your flu shot in October.
Flu activity tends to increase in November.
Health officials say since the flu can easily spread at schools it’s important to keep your school supplies clean and away from the kitchen table.
This is especially important since the flu virus can live on a surface for 24 hours, and can be potentially deadly. Good handwashing is also an easy way to stop the flu from spreading.
It’s extremely contagious so it’s encouraged to stay away from hospitals when you’re healthy and avoid other people when you are sick.
The H1N1 strain was the most common last flu season and was responsible for nearly 16,000 deaths and hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations.
According to the CDC, October is the best month to get your flu shot, but there are other options to keep your family safe.
If your child is eight years old or younger, they won’t be able to get a flu shot at a pharmacy. Those kids will need to go to their primary care doctor. The CDC recommends everyone six months and older to get a flu shot.
Using a humidifier and well as taking elderberry and vitamin D supplements also help fend off the flu.
