Shannon McBee, the flu coordinator with the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health, says the numbers show the virus continues to spread.
“This is the fifth consecutive week that influenza-like illness has been reported above baseline,” according to McBee.
While it may sound dire, McBee says this flu season isn’t much different than the one we had in 2009. Sometimes the flu gets an early start instead of the usual February/March peak time.
However, she says if you’re waiting for the flu to go away, don’t hold your breath.
“I anticipate that activity is going to continue to rise and we’re going to be seeing widespread activity for several more weeks,” according to McBee.
Not only is flu on the rise, so is nasty strain of stomach virus. So how do you tell if you have the flu or something else?
“Influenza is a pretty rough bug to get. It immediately sends you to bed and you are out [of commission] for several days,” explained McBee. “It’s not something that you overcome within 24 hours.”
Other signs you have the flu, according to McBee, “If you have a fever of more than 100-degrees and a cough or a sore throat.”
She says there are three things you need to do to prevent the flu or spreading it. First, get your flu shot. It’s not too late and it could save you a week in bed. Second, wash your hands frequently. If you have to cough cover your mouth. If you have to sneeze, sneeze into your elbow. And the third?
“[If you have the flu] make sure you stay home or if your children are sick, they stay home from school,” she said. “And take anti-viral drugs as soon as your doctor prescribes them.”
McBee says the earlier you start taking that medicine the less likely it is you’ll end up with a severe case of the flu.
