The weather has been swinging between seasonable to warm to downright frigid here in New Hampshire. And depending on where you live you might even be experiencing some snow. All of this feels pretty typical of the Granite State. But what's not typical is how many people are coming down with the flu right now.
If you've noticed a few extra sniffles and coughs from the people around you these days, you're not alone. Across the country, instances of the flu have been increasing over the past few weeks.
The sometimes fatal illness is considered to be widespread in at least 16 states. New Hampshire is still considered "regional," which means we saw an increase in the flu in more than two regions but in less than half of the state.
While peak flu season typically doesn't happen until February, but this season it's predicted to reach maximum levels this month. There have been approximately two million cases documented in 2019 so far.
There are two types of flu. So far in 2019, Influenza B has been the more prevalent type, affecting folks 24 and younger. Influenza A is typically seen more across the elderly population.
Flu symptoms can include chills, fever, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore muscles, headache, and fatigue. In some cases folks experience vomiting and diarrhea.
Vaccines are available and they're often either free or very inexpensive.
And you can find them at stores across the state or at your doctor's office.
While it might not be possible to avoid the flu, there are ways to help prevent it. And if you find that you have it, take the time to rest and recover.
To learn more about the flu and what the status is in the US for the week, check out this link from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Still feeling pretty good? Great! Make your Christmas sweeter with the delicious inn to inn cookie tour in New Hampshire.
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