The Centers for Disease Control’s latest map shows Virginia has moved into the moderate category, with a rise in flu cases compared to last week. Thomas Santa, a family nurse practitioner at Patient First, warns that the flu season is now “on” after Thanksgiving.
Common symptoms of the flu include sudden fever, chills, and body aches, which can be severe enough to feel like being hit by a truck. However, Santa notes that hospitalizations remain low.
Certain groups are at higher risk for complications from the flu, including those with kidney disease or diabetes, as well as the elderly. To mitigate this risk, Santa advises regular lung exercise to prevent pneumonia.
According to the CDC, 28,000 Americans died from the flu last season. With flu season now in full swing, residents are advised to take precautions and practice good hygiene to reduce their risk of contracting the illness.
Source: https://www.wavy.com/news/health/medical-providers-say-take-flu-seriously-as-cases-rise-in-virginia