Here is what you need to know

Although there have been more than 9,000 confirmed cases, authorities have indicated that thousands of others have the flu, but that the official testing system has not reached them.

Here's what you need to know about this year's flu season:

The flu is already in the news

Within two days, passengers on three flights to US cities would have had flu-like symptoms while traveling.

A dozen passengers on two American Airlines flights from Europe to Philadelphia had sore throats and coughs, but no fever, when they landed on Thursday.

The day before, the passengers of an Emirates flight connecting Dubai to the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York fell ill. Several people have been tested positive for the flu and other respiratory viruses.

CDC officials urge people to avoid traveling if they feel sick or at least 24 hours after the onset of fever.

It's never too early to get vaccinated

The best way to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated early in the season, health officials said.

"The reality is that the faster you get it, the faster you strengthen your immune system," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of the Public Health Division.

CDC officials said it may take two weeks after the vaccination to ensure that the antibodies – which protect against the flu – develop.

The general recommendation is that people get the vaccine in October, but many doctors and pharmacies already have their flu shots, Rattay said.

The Public Health Division will hold its annual flu clinics on October 5th from 10am to 2.30pm. in front of Porter's Service Center, located at 509 W 8th St. in Wilmington. A driving clinic will be on October 9th from 7am to 6pm. in front of the DelDOT Administration Building at 800 S Bay Road in Dover.

The vaccine will probably be more effective than last year.

One of the main reasons for the influenza season of last year was that the vaccine was less effective than expected.

It was only about 25% effective against the H3N2 strain, which is particularly virulent and can make people sicker, especially if they have underlying conditions such as diabetes or diabetes. asthma.

Rattay said some research on the flu season in the Eastern Hemisphere has shown that this year's vaccine will be a "very good match".

"But we do not know for sure yet," she said.

No, you can not get the flu with the flu vaccine

Health officials say that it is not possible for people to get the flu from the vaccine because the viruses contained therein are killed.

However, some people may experience mild side effects in the days following their injection, as their body increases to improve their immunity. Possible symptoms may include pain, headache, nausea, fever, and muscle aches.

The nasal spray is correct – in some cases

For this year's flu season, nasal spray is considered a legitimate form of vaccine.

In previous years, this has not been the case. Research revealed that it was not effective at the time.

The nasal spray of the year, which will contain the H1N1 and H3N2 viruses, is approved for people aged 2 to 49 and for women who are not pregnant, said CDC officials. Children younger than 2 years old, people over 50 and those with compromised immune systems should not be given the nasal spray vaccine.

Nasal Spray will not be available at any clinic in the Public Health Division.

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