We’re continuing to cover the most intense flu season the U.S. has seen in 15 years.
The latest data shows there have been around 13,000 deaths related to the virus, including at least 57 children.
In this Local 10 Healthcast, what you need to know about flu symptom red flags that should send you straight to the emergency room.
“This is the most severe season that we’ve seen in terms of numbers of cases in about 15 years,” said Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Kuritzkes said symptoms of flu can include high fever, muscle aches, body pain, and headache, but he says if red flags are present, like a persistently high fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, it’s time to get emergency help as it may mean pneumonia is developing.
“We don’t think that the cases themselves are more severe or that this strain is causing worse flu than in a typical season,” said Kuritzkes. “It’s just so much more frequent.”
Kuritzkes says those at highest risk of getting severely sick are seniors and those with some pre-existing medical conditions like heart disease and lung disease.
While flu cases typically peak in February, Kuritzkes says it’s still not too late to get protection through vaccination.
“Even if you’ve had flu earlier in the season, you should still get vaccinated because there are two different types of flu that can circulate and having one type doesn’t protect you against the other, so get vaccinated if you haven’t been,” he said.
You can also help stop the spread of the flu virus by keeping hands and frequently touched surfaces clean, avoiding close contact with those who are sick and not touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
And new this respiratory virus season, there’s an at-home test that can help you determine whether you have flu or COVID.