By Congressman Markwayne Mullin
Flu season is in full swing and it will continue for several more weeks. Every year, millions of people in the United States get sick from the flu and other flu-related illnesses. The flu can turn into a serious illness resulting in hospitalization and even death if not properly treated. During the 2018-2019 season, 16.5 million people went to a doctor for the flu and more than 34,000 people died in the U.S. There are several things you can do to protect yourself and others.
The most important way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine, but unfortunately only 45 percent of adults get a flu vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that individuals 6 months of age and older get vaccinated. It reduces the risk of getting sick from the flu and helps prevent other flu-related illnesses. People who are considered high risk, like young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions, and people 65 or older, should especially make sure they get the vaccination to reduce their risk.
You should also take steps to stop the spread of germs during flu season. Stay home if you are sick and limit your contact with others as much as possible. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Make sure to wash your hands often, cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and clean objects and surfaces that may have germs on them.
Nobody likes getting sick with the flu. These small actions that you can take every day will go a long way to help protect you and others from getting sick.