The southern states have seen a huge increase in flu cases the last several weeks and Mississippi is ranked at the top of the scale when it comes to Influenza-Like Illness (ILI), according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Many physicians fear the numbers will rise even higher due to family gatherings during the holidays.
“We have seen a slight decline in patients the last several days,” said Vanessa White, Administrator for Parekh Medical Clinic in Senatobia. “We are encouraging all patients to get their flu shots.”
For those who have yet to get their flu shot, now is the time since it takes 10 to 14 days for the antibody to become effective. There are also other protective measures, some of which include avoiding crowds, staying away from anyone sneezing and coughing and washing hands.
And if you get the flu, there is medication available, which if taken when symptoms begin can help alleviate the severity. There is also medication for those living in the home or who are in close proximity to someone who has the flu.
Officials with the Mississippi Department of Health said the flu is most deadly for people who are 65 and older and children four years old and younger, especially those under one. There have been five pediatric deaths nationwide this flu season, but none in Mississippi.
Getting the flu vaccine is the best way someone can protect themselves from the flu. But unlike the live-attenuated vaccines that can provide a lifetime of protection, such as the MMR, smallpox and chickenpox vaccines, the flu vaccine is an inactivated vaccine, meaning one may need several doses.
Also, the flu vaccine does not prevent one from getting the flu. Instead, it reduces the risk of getting the flu. And most importantly, because respiratory diseases are hard to fight, it reduces the risk of death.
Since the influenza vaccine isn't 100% effective, it's important to take several measures to reduce the spread of infection, including:
• Wash your hands. Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is an effective way to prevent many common infections. Or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if soap and water aren't available.
• Avoid touching your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. Then wash your hands.
• Clean surfaces. Regularly clean often-touched surfaces to prevent spread of infection from touching a surface with the virus on it and then your face.
• Avoid crowds. The flu spreads easily wherever people gather — in childcare centers, schools, office buildings, auditoriums and public transportation. By avoiding crowds during peak flu season, you reduce your chances of infection.
Also avoid anyone who is sick. And if you're sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone so that you lessen your chance of infecting others.
