FLU SEASON IS HERE BY DR DARRYL ADDINGTON, NSSAR SURGEON GENERAL

The flu season is here. CDC reports almost 5 million cases of flu with over 39,000 hospital admissions and over 2,100 deaths.The flu vaccination is important and it not too late to be vaccinated. Avoid crowds and people who are coughing, sneezing or appear ill. If you are ill, avoid being out in crowds. Flu virus is spread by coughing, sneezing and touching surfaces by people ill. The virus lands on surfaces and can live for 24 to 48 hours on hard surfaces. Your hands pick the virus up and can be transmitted by touching your face. Wash your hands frequently and avoid contact of hands to face.

If you suspect you are ill with the flu, see your physician. Four of the FDA approved anti-viral medications are now >99% effective against the flu virus.