Flu Season Is Here – Prepare Now

Southern CA, you’ve been warned.  The flu is coming and it’s coming bad.

Typically the flu starts on the east coast and works its way across the country.  Most states are now seeing high flu activity and this year’s popular strain, H3N2, is especially severe.

The flu is not just a cold with a runny nose.  It’s also not a stomach bug or “stomach flu” with vomiting and diarrhea.  The flu is a very serious respiratory illness with high fever, cough and severe body aches.  For an otherwise healthy person, the flu is probably the worst you will ever feel.

Flu can cause serious health problems such as pneumonia and is especially dangerous for young children, elderly and anyone with asthma or other chronic disease.  18 children have already died this season from the flu and flu complications.

A bit of good news:  It’s not too late to get a flu vaccine!

The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend getting vaccinated as soon as possible.  The flu vaccine (both the shot and the mist) this year is a good match, especially against the severe strain that is circulating.

Protect your family:

• Get a flu vaccine

• Wash your hands

• Cover your cough

• Stay home if you are sick

In addition to the flu vaccine, don’t forget to eat healthy, take a multivitamin with Vitamin D, sleep well and stay hydrated.

For more tips on protecting your family this flu season, check out my segment on KTLA.