Flu Activity Dissipating in Mid-May
UPDATED May 17, 2013
By WeatherBug Meteorologist, John Bateman | Mid-May has continued the downward trend of influenza cases reported across the U.S. this spring. Just like last week, there are no states reporting widespread cases of the virus.
Regional activity is showing up now in just one state - Hawaii.
Local influenza activity is being reported in Puerto Rico and 2 states, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Guam and 35 states are still reporting sporadic activity. These states are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Twelve states are reporting no activity, including Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, and Tennessee.
The U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia did not report this week.
A flu shot is still your best bet for keeping the flu at bay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends anyone older than 6 months get immunized. This year`s flu shot is made from three flu viruses, one of which is new to this year`s vaccine. Remember: the flu shot cannot give you the flu, but some side effects are possible, including a runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches, and mild fever.
Due to certain health restrictions, not everyone is eligible to receive the flu shot. For those of you who are not able to get a flu shot, there are other things you can do to minimize your risk for contracting the flu:
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
- Avoid exposing others when you are sick. Stay home from work or school if you are exhibiting symptoms.
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Be sure to keep WeatherBug active to receive the latest weather in your neighborhood and get the latest updates anywhere on Twitter.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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