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Yes, you can catch the flu more than once a season.
A few weeks before spring, you thought that influenza activity would begin to decline. But, at first glance, the flu season will continue until April and May of this year.
Influenza activity remains high and widespread activity was reported in 48 states and Puerto Rico last week, according to the report. .
Since October 1, there has been almost from influenza, no less than 12.4 million influenza-related medical visits and up to 31,200 deaths due to influenza.
has died from flu last week, bringing to 64 the total number of child deaths this season.
Now there is a second wave of flu – with a new, stronger strain – circulating in the southeast.
"Since there are many strains of the flu virus, it's certainly possible to catch the flu more than once," said Dr. David Cutler, family physician at Saint John's Providence Health Center in Santa Monica, California. at Healthline.
Although you can not catch the same strain twice – because your body will develop anti-virus antibodies – you can get another one if you are not immune.
"The best way to reduce your chances of getting the flu is to get the flu shot – and this year's flu shot has definitely been effective in reducing flu and severity," said Cutler.
Earlier this year, the H1N1 strain appeared to be the dominant strain.
The H3N2 strain, which tends to be more severe, is spreading in the southeastern states, including Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky, Carolina. North, Virginia and West Virginia.
H3N2 strains accounted for nearly two-thirds of influenza A viruses last week, .
And among all the viruses that circulate this year, the H3N2 virus is most likely to send you to the hospital or cause pneumonia, according to health experts.
In general, influenza symptoms occur in the same way every year – fever, body aches, coughs, headaches and fatigue – but their severity and magnitude tend to vary from person to person.
"The symptoms and trajectory will vary from person to person, depending on that person's immune system, their risks, and their overall health," said Dr. Armand Dorian, Chief Medical Officer of USC Verdugo Hills Hospital and Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine Clinic at the Keck School of Medicine at USC.
The best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated against the flu.
This year's vaccine has proven to be extremely effective as it corresponds to the current strains circulating this year.
A few weeks ago, the CDC estimated that the vaccine "nearly halves (47%) the risk of medically assisted influenza infection in people vaccinated this year."
The CDC still encourages people to get the flu shot if they have not done so already. This is especially important for older people at higher risk of getting the flu.
"The people most at risk of influenza are the elderly (over 65 years old), the very young (under 5 years old) and people with weakened immune systems. The flu shot will benefit everyone, but it is especially important for these people, "said Cutler.
It can take up to two weeks after the shot for your body to gain immunity against the flu. It is wise to get the shot as early as possible before the start of the season.
Health experts do not know whether the season has reached its peak or whether there will be yet another wave.
"It is very common that there are ripples or waves during an influenza season. Although we were always expecting a peak, historically we have had several peaks in one season, "explained Dorian.
Whatever the case may be, influenza activity will probably last for several weeks.
In addition to being vaccinated, doctors recommend keeping your immune system healthy by getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet.
Washing your hands frequently and using a hand sanitizer is also essential. If you use public touch screens, try wiping them with an antibacterial cloth before using them.
and is easily spread from one person to the other by coughing, sneezing and even talking.
A second wave of flu strikes southeastern states, the CDC announced last week.
While the H3N2 virus was the predominant strain at the beginning of the season, cases caused by the H3N2 virus are multiplying.
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