Vaccine is still the best ammunition against the worst flu season in 10 years. FLASS is sad to report that 13 more children have joined the list of those who have lost their lives to the deadly virus. They bring the pediatric death toll up to a shocking 97 in just this one season. It can be difficult in the midst of an epidemic, to collate constantly changing numbers. However, recent statistics reflected that 85 % of the deceased pediatric victims had either avoided or neglected to take the flu vaccine, otherwise known as that pesky flu shot. CDC spokeswoman Kristin Nordlund declared, “it looks like we still have many more weeks of flu season to go, and it could last until mid-April.”
Most of the Pediatric Victims of this Year’s Flu Did Not Take the Vaccine
Keep Your Child Happy and Healthy. No Flu Means More Fun.
Doctors overwhelmingly endorse the vaccines as the only way to avoid influenza and getting sick during this season. It is the number one prevention for influenza. Many people with flu or flu-like symptoms are spending long hours in doctor’s offices, walk-in clinics and emergency rooms.
A Look on the Brighter Side?
Although terrible, the number of pediatric deaths did actually decrease last week, and we can certainly be glad and grateful for that.
1. On the one hand, the number of states which reported high levels of flu decreased.
2. But on the other hand, it is distressing that more than half of the United States is a red zone, reporting high levels of viral activity.
3. Here we are in the 7th week of the shiny new year of 2018 and over half the people visiting the doctor’s office are there for the flu. To be exact, the CDC stated that last week, “6.4% of people who visited their doctors complained of flu-like illness…”
4. However, to look on the bright side, that number has dropped “from the previous week, when it was 7.5%. It’s the first time this season the number has dropped.”
5. If More People Had Taken the Vaccine, then We Might Have Controlled the Outbreak Much Better
The experts added, “We’re just not ready to say that we’ve peaked yet.” Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University, predicted, “It will go well into March.”
Learning from History?
Look Out! Flu Virus Germs Are Everywhere.
Medical statistics can either elevate or depress your mood. The CDC reported, “In the last severe flu season, during 2014-2015, 148 children died. The flu also killed an estimated 56,000 people, mostly older adults, that season.”
Most of the children who have died this year, as in past years, have not been vaccinated. The CDC does not keep exact counts of adult flu deaths.
It’s Not Too Late to Vaccinate!
The CDC has announced, “New York City, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and 39 states experienced high flu-like visits. It’s definitely not too late to get a flu shot, which remains highly recommended.
“As long as flu is circulating,” you can catch the flu so the vaccine is recommended.”
Discount the Rumors about the Vaccine: Here’s the Truth In Numbers
- The percentage of prevention of flu in young children who receive the vaccine = 56%
- When you break it down into the types of flu, the CDC admits the vaccines = 25% “less effective at preventing illnesses caused by the dominant virus behind this year’s epidemic…” As you probably already know, the virus adapts or mutates very quickly, so no vaccine can be perfect.”
Is it the Flu or Just a Bad Cold?
Some people are very adept at differentiating between how they feel if they have a cold as opposed to the flu. However, most people can easily confuse cold and flu symptoms.
1. Both cold and flu symptoms include a “Runny/blocked nose, sore throat, and cough.”
2. The flu will bring you so much more:
A. It’s true you get those symptoms, but you will also suffer from high temperature plus cold sweats and shivers if it’s the flu.
B.You will experience more fatigue and exhaustion with the flu.
Do You Know The Flu Emergency Warning Symptoms For Your Child?
C.In children, you might hear the complaint of a bad tummy ache with vomiting and diarrhea.
Flu Blues
Normally, Symptoms linger for about 1 week. However, the feeling of tiredness and gloom can continue for several weeks.
To put it simply, the symptoms of flu are much more severe than if you have a simple cold.
When Symptoms Grow Into Emergency Warning Signs…
Please go to your doctor if you notice any of the following early warning signs:
Gasping and fighting for Air is a warning sign of a serious breathing problem.
Bluish skin color is never good.
A patient that refuses water could be getting into serious trouble.
Likewise, refusing to wake up or to answer when spoken to can indicate serious complications in the health of a patient.
Big Warnings about Little Baby’s Flu
Warning signs in infants also include difficulty breathing. If a baby has no appetite, or no tears when crying, then you need to call the doctor. Likewise, you might notice the baby has very little wetness in his or her diaper. Call the doctor when you see that red flag.
Protect Your Child With A Flu Shot Today.
Be Sure They Have A Sunny Tomorrow.
The Lost Children of Flu Season 2018?
We don’t mean to cause you undue anxiety, but it is heart-breaking to read stories about the Lost Children of 2018. They will never go to college, work a valuable job, grow up, date, marry or have children of their own. They did not die of cancer or a car wreck.
The Lost Children are the children who seemed to have a little cold for a couple of days. Then they lost their lives to this fast-moving and dangerous mutation of the Influenza virus. Currently, there are 97 such children and 97 shattered families. FLASS is on a mission to prevent this tragedy with awareness and advocacy for timely vaccinations.
This is a season we must be observant and keenly aware of our children’s, grandchildren’s and next door neighbor’s health—before it is too late.
Thank you for reading the FLASS blog today, and please don’t hesitate to return often for important news affecting your respiratory health. Happy Breathing!