This
year’s flu season has been hitting Boston hard, almost 10 times as more
patients as last year with over 600 patients more in the month of December than
last year. Many who had made the choice to not get vaccinated are surely
regretting it now, because the flu is painful and can even be deadly to certain
people. Although there have been no deaths in Boston so far, they’re a few
ranging across the country that should raise concern for any US citizen. At
this time of the year, many students are calling in sick to school as the
common cold spreads around the schools. Many may feel terrible due to the
symptoms of the common cold, but the symptoms of the flu are much more worse than
that of a cold. Because of this, many are starting to get vaccinated to make
sure that they are protected from the terrible flu that has been spreading
around so quickly and dangerously.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505269_162-57563209/flu-season-takes-dangerous-turn-in-boston/
http://www.hlntv.com/article/2013/01/10/flu-season-shot-vaccine-what-know-cdc
ReplyDeleteThis year's flu season is 5 weeks earlier than usual. State wide there has been 18 death already and 700 cases just in Boston. Boston has been worst affected. Some hospitals have set up tents in the parking lot to administer the huge crowds of people coming in sick. Many people that stay away from taking the flu shot in fear of getting the flu through the vaccination were ensured by doctors that this is impossible because the virus is dead. The reaction that is felt is the body's immune system becoming activated so it is better suited to the strand if it ever encounters it again. It normally takes up to 2 weeks for the body to build up immunity. If you already have the flu it is best to stay away from others, and go to the hospital if symptoms are really severe. The doctor can prescribe medicine that will make the symptoms milder and could prevent further complications from developing. It is also important to be aware of the following symptoms: Sudden dizziness, difficulty breathing, pressure in chest area, and flu symptoms improve but then fever returns are signs of risk of fatality. According to the CDC this year’s match is pretty good because it is a similar strand to the past years, H3N2, which was also intense. Everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated especially children, elderly and people with underlying medical conditions. It is not too late to get vaccinated. The flu season does not end until April or May. For anyone above the age of two who are scared of the needle can take the nasal spray instead. Mayor Menino has set up free flu clinics tomorrow. There is exception however for children under 6 months old, people who are already sick, and anyone who is allergic to eggs. This year thanks to the media awareness, people will be well informed than ever of how to fight the flu and hopefully the current rate of flu patients will decrease. I predict that the flu season will get worse before getting better. Already workers of the MBTA were order to keep the trains clean since many people use public transport as means of communication. There are also announcements made in the T-stations to take precautions. It is really saddening when people don’t take the flu epidemic seriously and get sick and in some cases even die as a result.
I believe that this year's flu and cold season is a lot more serious than in past years. I believe this not only because of the 10 times increase in the number of people who have gotten sick but the fact that people are not 10 times as cautious towards getting the flu. If people, especially in Boston, don't take this flu season as or more serious than in the past the number of people who get the flu will skyrocket as time goes on. I strongly advocate for people who might be sick to check to see if they do in fact have a cold or the flu and stay home from school. In addition, if people haven't already, they should get the flu vaccine as soon as possible without a doubt. This year's flu and cold season is not the same as in the past and should not be treated like the past either.
ReplyDelete