If you’ve made it safely though flu season so far, congratulations… but don’t let your guard down just yet.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an unexpected second viral wave has extended this flu season to 21 weeks, the longest in 10 years. Experts say this current flu strain, which started in mid-February, is stronger than the initial strain that began around Thanksgiving.
While this season isn’t as harsh as last winter’s, the CDC estimates that between 35,000 and 55,000 Americans will die from the flu and its complications. Over 41 million people have showed flu symptoms.
If you haven’t gotten a flu shot yet, it’s not too late to visit your family doctor for a vaccination. But even if you have, it’s still important to take common-sense preventive measures, such as washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze. And if you’re sick, please stay home and rest!