This is the worst flu season in 17 years and we haven't even hit the peak yet!
The Arkansas Department of Health has confirmed 122 flu-related deaths in the state.
Take care of yourself and get to the doctor as soon as you suspect you may have the flu. Sudden, excessive fatigue is one of the earliest signs of the flu, and it may appear before other symptoms. Fatigue is also a symptom of the common cold, but it’s usually more severe with the flu.
People with the flu often experience fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and/or fatigue, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some -- more commonly children -- may also have vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Protect yourself
During flu season, protecting yourself from viruses is a top priority. The flu virus can spread through saliva droplets that are projected when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can reach people and surfaces up to 6 feet away. You can be exposed by breathing air containing these droplets or by touching objects that these droplets have landed on.
If you aren't feeling well, but you aren't sure if you're coming down with a cold or the flu, here are differences between the two.
Some good tips to prevent the flu:
- avoid close contact with sick people
- stay home if you’re sick, especially if you have a fever
- cover your cough to protect others
- wash your hands
- limit how frequently you touch your mouth or nose