Severe Flu Season Underway in Reading

Massachusetts has reportedly seen an increase in flu-like illnesses over the past few weeks.

The Commonwealth isn’t the only state seeing an especially bad flu season. There have been 43 states that reported high or widespread flu activity with elevated reports of flu illness, hospitalizations and deaths, Winchester Hospital reported in a press release.

More and more people may catch the flu since the high flu activity is expected to continue for several weeks and peak in February.

Flu symptoms include sudden fever, aches and pains, headache, chills, sore throat, sudden dizziness, cough, head and lung congestion, fatigue, diarrhea and nausea.

Here are some steps people can take to protect themselves during the flu season, according to Winchester Hospital:

• Eat Right
• Get plenty of rest
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash afterwards.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the spread of germs. Avoid people who are coughing, sneezing or have a respiratory illness.
• Be aware of flu symptoms.
• Adults should not go to work and children should not go to school with the symptoms. Those inflicted should limit their contact with others to prevent infecting others, according to the CDC.
• Wash your hands with soap and water and use hand sanitizer or wipes.
• Do not visit friends or family members in the hospital if you have flu-like symptoms.

The best defense against influenza is the vaccination, the hospital says. Vaccinations provide protection and reduce severe outcomes that can result in hospitalization and death. Contact your local board of health, health care provider or pharmacy to receive the vaccine.

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