This Year’s Flu Virus: What You Need to Know

The virulent nature of the 2017-2018 influenza virus has been a concern among providers and patients alike. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza season not only started early this year, but the virus has already spread at an alarming rate. The majority of US states are experiencing widespread activity, resulting in near-record numbers of hospitalizations and even death.

It is important to be prepared with the right information help combat and further prevent the spread of the influenza virus. We have put together a list of the most important information that you should know about this year’s influenza season.

The percentage of patients seeing their health care providers for influenza-like illness has reached its highest point since the 2009 pandemic.

According to a report from the CDC, approximately 6.6% of Americans have seen their providers for influenza-like illness (ILI) as of January 20, 2018. High ILI activity has been recorded in New York, Puerto Rico, and 39 other US states. Read more.

Individuals with confirmed influenza virus have a higher risk for heart attack within the first week after receiving their diagnosis.

The authors of the study added that the risk for acute myocardial infarction (MI) is increased among patients with other acute respiratory infections as well. Read more.

The influenza virus commonly spreads through sneezing and coughing, but the results of a new study have shown that it can even spread simply through exhaled breath.

Findings indicated that coughing and sneezing were not necessary for infectious aerosol generation. Read more.