Flu Season Kicks into High Gear - Here's a CDC Map of the Worst Outbreaks and Some Tips to Stay Healthy

Benjamin Gill
12-31-2018

Share This article

Flu cases are on the rise across America once again as flu season kicks into high gear.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that at least 11 states and the territory of Guam are experiencing widespread flu cases, and nearly every US state is reporting some sort of flu activity.

Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Some people even experience vomiting and diarrhea, but this is more common in children than adults.

When symptoms become severe or cause worse conditions like pneumonia, then the flu can become life-threatening, especially for older adults, younger children, and people with other serious health conditions.

The latest report includes confirmed flu cases up through December 22. The top 11 states experiencing widespread flu outbreak include: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, and North Carolina.

Nine states saw rising flu activity: Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Carolina. New York City also saw higher flu activity.

CLICK HERE for the full FluView interactive map from the CDC

Influenza-A viruses have been dominating the US since the beginning of October, and Influenza-B viruses are circulating as well.

So far at least 11 children have died from the flu this season. The CDC says parents should seek emergency care for children who experience warning signs like trouble breathing, bluish skin color, not drinking enough fluids, not waking up or not interacting, fever with a rash, being so irritable that the child does not want to be held, or a sudden return of flu-like symptoms after the child seemed to be improving.

The last flu season was the most deadly in decades with more than 80,000 deaths, including 185 pediatric cases.

Here are some good tips on preventing and treating infections from cold and flu viruses:

  • Wash Your Hands
  • Get More Sleep
  • Decrease Stress
  • Decrease Sugar Intake
  • Take Vitamin D
  • Take Probiotics
  • Eat Coconut Oil
  • Get More Vitamin C
  • Drink More Water

Click here for an explanation about each of those steps.

 

Share This article

About The Author

Ben Gill Producer Headshot
Benjamin
Gill

Benjamin Gill oversees all web content as the Multimedia Manager for CBNNews.com. He has been on staff with CBN News as an internet and broadcast producer since 2000. You can follow him on Twitter @BenGillCBN. Here are some of his commentaries and articles: Pursuing Truth in a World of Fake News: Reflections of a Christian Journalist After 20 Years with CBN News The Breaking Point: Pandemic Pain, Persistent Prayer, and God's Bigger Picture Plagues, the End Times, and Trusting in God's Protection: 'You Will Hear Us and Rescue Us' 12 Powerful Bible Verses to Build Your Faith and Fight Fear
More