Flu prevention during the influenza surge
While winter is already considered ‘flu season’ by many, there are some years where influenza seems to strike harder than usual. When it feels like everyone around you has a respiratory virus wreaking havoc on their system, what can you do to prevent falling ill yourself?
Emergency medicine physician Stanley Hassinger, MD, pediatric infectious disease specialist Anna-Kathryn Burch, MD, and emergency medicine physician Johnathon Elkes, MD, discuss the recent influenza surge in South Carolina and how to keep yourself and your family healthy and safe through the last days of winter.
Questions about the influenza surge answered in this video include:
- How does a flu surge affect emergency rooms throughout the Upstate and Midlands?
- What symptoms of influenza should you be on the lookout for?
- What steps should you take if you suspect you have the flu?
- How can you treat the flu at home?
- Are there certain over-the-counter medications that help best with fighting the flu?
- What severe flu symptoms suggest you should seek medical care?
- What complications can happen if the flu goes untreated?
- How does staying hydrated help fight the flu?
- When should you get tested for the flu?
- Who is at the highest risk for severe flu complications?
- Can you be tested for the flu anywhere other than the ER?
- How long does it take to recover from the flu?
- How are flu symptoms different in children vs. adults?
- And more
Since the best way to fight off the flu is by preventing infection, remember to get your flu shot annually to receive the best possible protection against severe illness.
Fight the flu
Get your flu shot and learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and others.
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