An unidentified individual has recently passed away after contracting the flu. With this, the disease has claimed its first death for the season.
A South Carolina resident from the Midlands region reportedly met their demise last week after being struck by the deadly virus. According to the U. S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, between 3,000 and 49,000 people die from the flu yearly, as reported in Greenville Online. However, with proper precaution, developing the sickness can easily be prevented and families can be protected.
The influenza virus highly affects the respiratory system, and is proven to be very contagious. Some symptoms include fever, cough, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and nasal congestion. It is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization.
Because new strains of the deadly virus are discovered each year, it is highly advised that everyone, especially the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions and children 6 months and older get vaccinated as soon as time permits.
The flu season begins in September and ends in May. However, the flu vaccines are readily available at local pharmacies, clinics, and doctor's offices as early as late August. Furthermore, according to Greenville Online, the CDC advised against the use of nasal sprays this year, as it was highly ineffective in protecting against the H1N1 virus in the previous years.
In an interview recently conducted with Dr. Teresa Foo, a DHEC Immunization Medical Consultant, stated that "the flu vaccine is still the best way to prevent serious illness this fall and winter. It's never too early to get the flu vaccine," according to News2. Dr. Foo further advised that residents should get their flu shots done as soon as possible in order to prepare them for the upcoming season.
