The CDC says more Americans were killed by the flu last year than at any time in the past 40 years and hospitalizations hit record highs as well. One possible reason is the number of people who got their flu shot was unusually low. Only 37% of adults were vaccinated.. and only 58% of children. We are already in flu season but experts say the season usually peaks in February and lasts until May.
- To avoid getting the sick:
- Wash your hands regularly: Wash your hands regularly: anything you touch could have the virus on it. The flu virus can survive on hard surfaces for 24 hours and on tissues for about 15 minutes.
- Cough into your elbow, not hands, to reduce spreading the virus.
- Get your flu shot: Both the FDA and CDC recommend the vaccine for those ages 6 months and older.
You can still get the flu even though you’ve been vaccinated but research shows because you got a flu shot you are less likely to experience complications like hospitalizations, even death. This is true for adults, children and pregnant women.
