While there are no defined start and end dates to the annual flu season, many generally consider it to start at the beginning of October and last until March 31.
And with more than a month remaining in this flu season, a recent report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests the worst is yet to come.
According to the CDC, there is a 60 percent chance that the current flu season (which has already sickened 13 million people) has not yet peaked.
This news has motivated McLaren Macomb physicians and infection prevention practitioners to urge everyone to continue to be vigilant in their flu prevention practices:
"¢ Cover coughs and sneezes
"¢ Keep hands away from your face
"¢ Clean and disinfect potentially contaminated areas
"¢ Immediately dispose of all tissues
Regularly washing your hands continues to be the best method to prevent the spread of contagions. And it's also never too late in the season to get a flu shot.
However, should you start to experience the classic flu symptoms of fever, cough, fatigue and body aches, immediately seek medical treatment.
Stay indoors and away from the community while experiencing any and all symptoms and only return to work or school after being symptom-free for 24 hours.
If you or a loved one start experiencing flu-like symptoms, make an appointment with your family physician or head to your nearest emergency department.
To learn more about emergency care at McLaren Macomb, visit mclaren.org/macomber.