It’s official that we are in a flu epidemic. There are many reasons but one unique and worrying feature of this season is the fact that the ‘young invincibles’ are dying.
Two things to remember are: people who have gotten the flu vaccine are less likely to die even if they get the flu, and taking Tamiflu within 12 to 24 hours of symptom onset can reduce the likelihood of hospitalization.
The hospitals are feeling the strain, and all states except Hawaii have been hit hard simultaneously.
Articles About the 2018 Flu Season:
- To Deal With a Flu Onslaught, Emergency Rooms Expand Into Waiting Rooms (Wall Street Journal)
- Flu vaccine provided dismal protection against this winter’s virus, early data suggest (Stat)
If anyone you love hasn’t had the flu shot, now is the time.
Dr. Fife is a world renowned wound care physician dedicated to improving patient outcomes through quality driven care. Please visit my blog at CarolineFifeMD.com and my Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/carolinefifemd/videos
