Many call in between October and now with reports of a fever, cough, and stuffy nose- the main symptoms of the flu. This year it seems the flu has hit America harder than any other year and we are definitely narrowing toward the peak of the season right now.

Since December, the country has had high flu activity and this is expected to continue. Because the virus changes from year to year, there was no way to expect this constant change. The season can begin as soon as October and can last as late as May. This year many experienced a definite change in the virus causing the vaccine to be about 23% effective. While the vaccine usually varies between 10% to 60% effective, this year’s vaccine has a lower rate of effectiveness due to a change in the virus after the vaccine was already created.

Changes in the virus are known as “drifted viruses” and while this year’s vaccine may not be completely effective it is still strongly encouraged that everyone should still get the vaccine. The vaccine will protect against any serious complication with the flu virus.

Since there is no guaranteed way to completely prevent getting the flu, it is important to take caution during this time of year. People should always wash their hands and cover their nose and mouth when sneezing. When someone does catch the flu, it is important for them to stay home 24 hours after to ensure no one else gets sick.

While preventing the flu comes in the small details that may be assumed are insufficient in our fast paced lives it becomes very worth it to try to prevent the flu when thinking about all the complications that could come out of it. Normally 5% to 20% of U.S citizens contract the flu each flu season and about 200,000 of these individuals are hospitalized for flu complications. The most common complications are sinus infections and dehydration, but sever complications can include pneumonia and asthma.

While the flu isn’t completely preventable we should still all do our part to stop the spread of the virus. We all know what it feels like being stuck at home eating only soup and crackers feeling like you may never breathe through your nose again. It’s still strongly encouraged by the Center for Disease Control or CDC to get vaccinated even though it is not perfect. Anything will help and the last thing we all need on our ever busy plates is to contract this flu virus and become another rising number in the effected outbreak total.