WARNING: 1 in 10 Deaths in US Due to Flu

Health Wellness

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Over the past month, we have run a number of posts on the flu, like what are the symptoms, what to do if you think you have the flu and how it is killing people. We even covered myths about the flu vaccine. The vaccine does help with some strains, but not all and even then the strains that the flu vaccine was designed to prevent has mutated enough to make the vaccine far less effective than hoped.

However, this report is to alarm you and make you aware of just how bad the flu is this season here in the United States.

Experts are warning that some of the strains of flu this season are especially deadly and hitting all ages, all ethnic groups and it is hospitalizing tens of thousands and killing many more people than in recent years.

Listen to some of the latest statistics on this year’s flu season.

So far, it is estimated that at least 25 million working Americans have or will miss a minimum of 4 days of 8-hour shifts. The loss of productivity is estimated to be at least $25 million. Mind you that this is just those who have or will miss at least 4 days of work. It doesn’t take into account for the millions of others that will miss 3 or fewer days from work.

One small business reported that so many of their employees were sick with the flu that they had to close down for several days. This was a significant financial loss to the company and to some of the employees who didn’t have sick time to take.

Schools are closing down for a day or two here and there because so many students have been out sick with the flu. More than 40 entire school districts in 13 states have closed down for a couple days due to the flu. Many of these schools have been bringing in professional outfits that disinfect the classrooms but as soon as students return and one or two have the flu, it once again can rapidly spread throughout the school.

We’ve seen deaths of children, young adults, middle-aged adults and older adults dying from the flu.

One death was that of a vibrant 2nd grade teacher who caught the flu. She went to the doctor and was prescribed antiviral medication. However, her co-pay for the medication was at least $110 and it was too much for their budget, so they didn’t buy it. About a week later, she started feeling worse, so they bought the anti-viral medications, but it was too late and she died a few days later.

Many doctor offices and pharmacies are reporting temporary shortages of anti-viral medication due to the number of people who are getting sick this season.

The most staggering figure for all of you to consider is that currently, flu deaths account for 1 of every ten deaths in the United States from all other causes, including cancer, heart disease, other illnesses, auto-accidents, gun violence, etc., and the flu season still has at least another month to go before it is expected to ease off.

There is no doubt that this is the worst flu season many of us have ever seen and everyone needs to take precautions. Wash your hands after being around anyone else or touching anything others have touched. If possible, avoid people who are sneezing or coughing. If you don’t feel good, don’t go to school or work as you just spread it to everyone else. If you haven’t gotten a flu shot yet, get it NOW!

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