Influenza – A Threat to the Health of Florida
The beginning of 2016 saw a few cases of influenza in various cities of Florida, but it was hardly alarming. However, things began to change when the State Department of Health started noticing an increase in the number of infection cases in the clinics of Tampa, Orlando, Tallahassee and so on. The Hillsborough County reported the highest number of flu incidents. A number of pregnant women ended up in hospitals and there were even three pediatric deaths in other parts of the USA during the flu season. Although late January and February are the peak seasons for influenza in Florida, it is better to be vaccinated beforehand to stop the infection from spreading.
What is Influenza?
This is a contagious health disorder caused by a virus, which affects the respiratory system. Victims can have a chronic medical condition like asthma, diabetes and heart congestion along with bacterial pneumonia, sinus infections, dehydration, and other complications. From mild to severe illness, influenza virus types A, B, and C can leave impacts of varying degrees on humans, and may even cause death in patients. Getting a flu vaccination each year is the best way to prevent it.
The reasons behind the seasonal outbreaks of flu are type A and type B flu viruses. You can find the former type in animals like pigs, chicken, and horses whereas the latter affects only the humans.
What are the Symptoms?
Coughing and sneezing are the two common ways of spreading flu viruses. In some cases, unhygienic activities are the primary cause behind getting influenza .. Some of the common symptoms are sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, body pain, cough, fever, digestive disorder, and vomiting at times. As far as complications are concerned, usually people above the age of 65 years can experience chronic medical conditions. It can also pose a threat to pregnant women and young children.
What are the Ways of Preventing It?
Apart from taking the flu shot each year, you can also prevent it by staying cautious during the flu season. Try to stay away from people who are sick, or if you are affected with flu viruses, stay away from others. Always cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; wash your hands before eating or touching the eyes, nose or mouth. Try to get ample rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not forget to consult a doctor immediately, if home remedies are not helping. You can find many antiviral drugs to prevent seasonal influenza.
As they say, prevention is better than cure. Your first priority, in this case, is to build up immunity against flu with help of vaccination. However, in case you end up catching the virus, refrain from taking alcohol or tobacco in any form. You must visit a doctor and stay away from self-medication. When consulting with a physician, mention your medical history to get the right treatment.
Every year, flu affects nearly, 15 to 40 percent of the population. The Florida Department of Health has reported cases of nearly 36,000 deaths due to influenza. Better the if's you walk in to the wellness clinics of Tampa and Florida Destinations : other popular to start your treatment early. Every time you feel under the weather, it is better to visit a doctor to understand what's going on. It's better to be safe than sorry.
