The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) surveillance has reported an increase in influenza cases in Tennessee that is why they are warning the public that the flu season this year could be severe. Hence, they are urging everyone to get their vaccines or flu shots now.
TDH Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH said, "Vaccination is likely to reduce the risk of severe illness even if not all strains are matched to the vaccine throughout the season. Because a flu vaccine is still the best protection, get it now if you have not done so."
Since influenza has no exact treatment to eradicate the virus, early initiation of treatment can prevent severe illness and complications. However, vaccination is still the best preventive measure to avoid contracting the disease.
"Influenza can be especially dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women and very young children because their immune systems are different from the normal, healthy adult," said Tennessee Immunization Program Director Kelly Moore, MD, MPH. "We recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone over the age of six months."
The health officials are reiterating the essence of providing antiviral medicines to patients who are manifesting symptoms that are comparable with influenza. Importantly, people who are at higher risk for developing complications from flu should be treated aggressively.
In factm according to TDH Chief Medical Officer David Reagan, MD, MPH, ""Anyone with flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body ache or fatigue should talk with a health care provider about starting antivirals as soon as possible after symptoms start. You don't have to be tested for flu to start taking antiviral medications, which can greatly reduce the severity of flu-like illness."
Aside from getting flu shots, good health habits like frequent hand washing, covering the mouth and nose when one sneezes or coughs and maintaining a healthy body are all important in order to prevent contracting the disease.