Flu activity in the US

For the week ending Dec. 2, Louisiana and South Carolina reported very high rates of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) while New York City and 13 other U.S. states reported high ILI-activity. An additional nine states reported moderate ILI-activity.

According to CDC, there were 5,753 patients hospitalized with confirmed flu cases for the week ending Dec. 2, an increase from the 4,268 patients hospitalized the week before.

During this time, the percentage of outpatient provider ILI visits was 4%, which was above the national baseline of 2.9% for the fifth week in a row. All regions were also currently at or above their region-specific baselines.

So far, CDC estimates that there have been at least 2.6 million flu cases, 26,000 hospitalizations, and 1,600 deaths this flu season. There were also four pediatric flu deaths for the week ending Dec. 2, bringing the season's current total to 12.

How to protect yourself from the flu

The seasonal flu is caused by two types of viruses: influenza A and influenza B. Both viruses can circulate at the same time, but one type generally dominates each season.

Flu symptoms typically include sore throat, runny nose, congestion, and cough. Fatigue, fever, headache, and muscle aches are also common symptoms, and some people experience vomiting or diarrhea.

Antiviral treatments like Tamiflu can help minimize symptoms, but they need to be taken within the first few days of illness. Home remedies and over-the-counter medications can also help relieve symptoms.

To avoid getting the flu, health experts recommend getting an annual flu shot. According to CDC, all individuals ages 6 months and older who are not contraindicated for a flu vaccine should receive one. Adults over 65 are also recommended to get a higher dose or adjuvanted vaccine, if possible, but if it's not available, any vaccine is fine.

Demetre Daskalakis, acting director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said it is particularly important for infants and older adults to get vaccinated against the flu since they have a higher risk of complications from the virus. (Hollowell, Becker's Clinical Leadership, 12/8; CDC Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, accessed 12/11)

Given the influx of respiratory diseases in the United States, health experts are advising caution this holiday season. Here are five ways you can keep safe this holiday season.