The IAA One Minute Blog

Flu season is off to an early start this year, according to researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention Epidemic Intelligence Service.

Flu Season Arrives Early

A team of public health experts analyzed national data on flu trends and warned in a report published on December 7^th that “several influenza activity indicators were higher than is typically seen for this time of year.”

The amount of flu activity recorded at this point of the season is the highest it has been in six years, according to data released by the CDC.

Researchers stated that the predominate strain of the flu virus that has been spreading this year is one of the strains targeted in this year’s vaccine. The main flu bug this season tends to cause more deaths and hospitalizations. Vaccines tend not to work as well against this type.  

The flu began picking up in November. By the end of the last week of November, seven states reported widespread flu activity.  Peak flu activity in the United States usually occurs during December through February.

Keep the Flu at Bay

Don’t let the flu hit you this season! To prevent the flu:

1. Get vaccinated: Getting a flu vaccine is the best step people can take to protect themselves from the virus. The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older.
2. Wash your hands to keep germs away: Washing your hands throughout the day really does prevent infections. Warm water and soap will kill germs. Remember that hands are germ factories, so keep them away from your nose and mouth.
3. Keep cold and flu germs off surfaces: Colds and the flu are caused by viruses, which can easily pass from person to person, or from surface to person.
4. Avoid close contact with people who are sick: The flu virus is spread by respiratory droplets passed from one person to another. These droplets can pass among people in close contact.
5. Avoid sharing objects: If someone must share, disinfect the objects before and after using them.
6. Exercise for immunity: Exercise can not only do wonders for your physique, it also might prevent you from getting sick. 

Having the flu is not fun, so prevention is key!

What IAA has to Say

A bad flu season could mean a season of sick employees for business owners. Insurance Administrator of America wants you to encourage your employees to take steps to prevent the flu. Remember, with IAA one call does it all.

Interested in reading more on this topic? Click here and here!