The Latest News on the 2018 Flu Epidemic

The 2017-2018 flu season could be the worst flu season to hit the United States in 50 years. It has already claimed more than one hundred lives since it began in October; even so, the intensity of the outbreak has increased since the New Year as more than half of all states report high flu activity in the first week of 2018. Alabama is the first state to declare an official state of emergency due to the high number of flu deaths in the state and, as inconceivable as it may sound, it may not the last state to do so.

One of the main reasons why some flu outbreaks are deadlier than others is that flu strains vary in strength. Unfortunately, the dominant flu strain this year is deadlier than other, less effective strains that tend to circulate at this time of year. Influenza A (H3N2), the dominant flu strain in this year’s epidemic, has not only been causing health problems for people who are usually susceptible to the flu (children and the elderly) but even killing healthy young people and adults.

What is more, this year’s flu vaccines don’t really offer much protection against the H3N2 strain. It has been estimated that the flu vaccine is anywhere from 40% to 60% effective during a regular flu season; however, Australia’s flu epidemic earlier this year indicates that the vaccine only has a 10% efficacy rate this year. Unfortunately, Australia’s experience with H3N2 also indicates that the death toll in the United States will probably rise significantly. During most years, fewer than 200 people die from flu outbreaks Down Under; this year, the death toll was well over 700.

The flu epidemic this year is likely to get worse as the season typically peaks in the middle of February. While flu season is officially over in May, the fact is that there will still be a few cases until August. California has been particularly hard hit this year as fifteen people have died from the flu in the first week of January alone. Dallas, Texas has also been hard hit as 18 people have died there since the outbreak began.

However, the flu epidemic is currently severely impacting 46 states and many doctors across the country are running out of Tamiflu and other medications used to treat outbreaks. IV bags are in short supply in some areas and ambulance services and hospital waiting rooms are having a hard time coping with all the flu victims.

Pro-vaccine activists are still calling for adults and children from 6 months on up to get the vaccine. The CDC recommends a yearly flu shot while the California Department of Public Health website is telling people that it is not too late to get vaccinated. Doctors in New York are also promoting the vaccine as the state has seen its first deaths from this year’s flu season.

A number of schools, on the other hand, are taking a different approach. San Antonio Christian School told students to stay home for a day so that officials could deep clean the premises. Schools in Smithville, Kentucky have also shut down for a day while cleaning crews sprayed and scrubbed all the surfaces using a hospital-grade disinfectant.

At the same time, others are recommending natural and common-sense precautions for those who want to avoid falling ill with the flu this season. Most people can’t avoid going to work or sending their children to school; even so, it is highly recommended that individuals avoid going to large, crowded public areas during this time. Washing hands regularly and maintaining a healthy diet that keeps the immune system in good working order are also recommended.

Furthermore, it is important for individuals to be aware of common symptoms of the flu. Anyone who has a fever as well as a cough, sore throat, chills and/or fatigue would do well to get medical attention as soon as possible. Vomiting and diarrhea are common flu symptoms in children.

It remains to be seen just how this flu season will play out; unfortunately, the fact is that it will not end well for hundreds or even thousands of people who will lose their own lives or the life of a close friend or loved one. While modern medicine and the medical industry is working hard to protect people from the flu and treat those who have it their resources are beginning to run dry as the strength of this year’s flu virus takes a toll on people of all ages and walks of life.

~ Christian Patriot Daily


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