Community Corner
Flu Continues To Be Widespread In Virginia
Are you at high risk? Some people are more susceptible to the flu and its complications.
By Jane Lemons
Flu activity continues to be widespread throughout Virginia, according to state and federal health officials.
Information compiled by the Virginia Department of Health shows the number of people seeking medical care for the flu increasing among all age groups and across all areas of the state.
Find out what's happening in Viennawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Visits for influenza-like illness continue to trend upward, which is not atypical for this point in a flu season," said Dr. Laurie Forlano, deputy state epidemiologist with the Virginia Department of Health. "We continue to conduct surveillance for influenza and would like to remind everyone that it is not too late to get vaccinated."
Find out where to get a flu shot near you. You can also use this Flu Vaccine Finder at flu.gov.
Find out what's happening in Viennawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
While the flu can make anyone sick, the Centers for Disease Control point out that certain people are at greater risk for serious flu-related complications, like pneumonia and bronchitis. These groups include:
- Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old.
- Adults aged 65 and older.
- Pregnant women.
- American Indians and Alaskan Natives.
And people who have medical conditions including:
- Asthma
- Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions.
- Chronic lung disease.
- Heart disease.
- Blood disorders.
- Endocrine disorders.
- Kidney disorders.
- Liver disorders.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Weakened immune system due to disease or medication.
- People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
- People who are morbidly obese.
Flu Season Is Here, But It's Not Too Late To Vaccinate: See where to get a flu shot near you.
Flu Season: How To Know If That's What You've Got: One in five Americans gets the flu, and here's how to know whether you've got it.
Think You Have The Flu? Here's The Best Treatment Plan: See how to treat the flu with and without medications.
Flu Season Is Here: What's The Best Way To Take Care Of Sick People: Learn how to help a sick person feel better and avoid getting sick yourself.
Don't Want To Get The Flu? Here's How To Prevent The Virus From Spreading: Prevent the virus from spreading by taking common sense steps in your everyday routine.
Flu Bug: It's Widespread In Virginia: More than 60 percent of those who wind up in the hospital are people aged 18-64.
Flu Season Hits Hard: Virginia Officials Report First Flu Death: A Northern Virginia child has died from the flu.
Flu Cases Spiking In Virginia: Which Age Group Is Getting Hit Hardest? This year's flu hitting younger, healthier age groups hard.
For more information about influenza, its symptoms, prevention and treatment, or cases reported, you can visit flu.gov, the CDC, the Virginia Department of Health, or the District of Columbia Department of Health.
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