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EDITORIAL: Take preventive measures against flu season

Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal - 10/9/2018

Oct. 09--People anticipate October for a number of reasons.

The start of flu season doesn't tend to be on the top of that list.

However, since October also signifies winter's approach, it means flu season is just around the corner. And since it takes flu shots a couple of weeks to fully kick in, October is also the month for people to start thinking about being vaccinated.

Although people can be affected by the flu at any time during the year, the virus tends to be most common in the winter. In Mississippi, flu season is typically most intense between December and February, Mississippi State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers told the Daily Journal'sMichaela Morris.

This years' season comes on the heels of a particularly deadly one. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control reported an estimated 80,000 people died due to influenza and related complications during 2017-18. In an average year, the CDC estimates about 36,000 people die from the flu and complications.

Children were particularly hard hit by the disease, which claimed 181 U.S. children last year, including three in Mississippi. Nationally, 80 percent of those who died were not vaccinated.

Part of the reason for the intensity of last year's season is that the vaccine was not fully effective. The H3N2 strain was one of the most common last year, and H3 strains of the virus are typically more difficult to vaccinate against. Byers said H3 strains historically have been associated with difficult flu seasons.

It's too early to know how severe this year's season will be. But it's important to get vaccinated now, regardless.

Some people may be tempted to skip the shot, especially after hearing anecdotes of people who got vaccinated last year and still ended up getting infected. Medical experts say, however, that in cases when the shot doesn't prevent infection, it does reduce the severity of the sickness.

According to mayoclinic.org, "Even when the vaccine doesn't completely prevent the flu, it may lessen the severity of your illness and the risk of serious complications."

The website also recommends additional steps to protect oneself from the flu and other viruses. Those include:

Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water

Use an alcohol-based sanitizer on your hands if soap and water aren't available

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth whenever possible

Avoid crowds when the flu is most prevalent in your area

Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, drink plenty of fluids, eat a nutritious diet and manage your stress

Like it or not, flu season will be here soon. Roll up your sleeve, get your shot and take other preventative measures to stay safe.

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(c)2018 the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal (Tupelo, Miss.)

Visit the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal (Tupelo, Miss.) at www.djournal.com

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