Are you coughing, running a fever and feeling a headache, achy muscles or sore throat?
You might have the flu.
Influenza-like illness activity levels in Kansas have recently become “very high,” says the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC on Jan. 9 posted on its website a graphic indicating Kansas was among U.S. states showing high levels of influenza-like illness activity level during the week that ended Jan. 3.
Meanwhile, a new “super flu” strain has been infecting an increasing number of people nationwide, health officials say.
Flu season has brought estimated 7,400 deaths
This flu season has brought an estimated 15 million illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations and 7,400 deaths, according to the CDC report covering the time period running through Jan. 3.
Seasonal flu activity remains elevated across the country, the CDC said in that report, posted Jan. 9 on its website.
The CDC shared a graphic showing influenza-like illness activity had gotten “very high” in states that included Kansas but cautioned that its data “may disproportionately represent certain populations” and “may not accurately depict the full picture of influenza activity” for some areas.
Here are symptoms
According to the CDC, the most common flu symptoms are as follows:
- Fever.
- Cough.
- Sore throat.
- Runny or stuff nose.
- Muscle or body aches.
- Headaches.
- Fatigue.
- Vomiting and diarrhea, though those are more common for children ho have the flu than adults.
When should I seek medical treatment?
The CDC recommends seeking medical care if symptoms worsen, become prolonged or develop into any of the following:
- Fever reaching 104 degrees that medication can’t control.
- Trouble breathing, fast breathing or shortness of breath.
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen.
- Bluish lips or face in children.
- Persistent dizziness or confusion.
- Dehydration.
- Fever or cough that improves then returns or worsens.
- Seizures.
- In children younger than 12 weeks, any fever.
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions.
Here’s more about the ‘super flu’ strain that has emerged
A new influenza strain called Influenza A (H3N2) subclade K emerged earlier this flu season in Europe and has spread to areas that include the U.S., the World Health Organization said.
The new variant can spread more easily because people lack immunity to it, though it doesn’t necessarily cause more problems to people who get it, health officials say.
Symptoms for H3N2 are the same as for other types of flu, with most patients being capable of recovering at home.
How can I best avoid the flu?
The best way to avoid getting the flu is to get vaccinated, health officials says.
Some concern exists that the new strain isn’t specifically covered by the vaccine, but the current vaccine lowers the risk of severe illness even from that new strain, experts say.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment strongly recommends annual flu shots for everyone 6 months and older.
Vaccinations are available from health care providers, pharmacies and local health departments.
As reported in the Topeka Capital Journal
