Thought the flu season was over? Think again!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are warning of a possible second flu wave. The second strain of the deadly H3N2 virus has now overtaken influenza A. Flu B is typically not as severe as Flu A, but for young children it could still be deadly.
“For younger children, it actually can be as severe,” said David LaVine, M.D., “the symptoms are very similar to the Flu A.”
Symptoms include a fever, chills, fatigue, headache and a cough.
Dr. LaVine is a physician of internal medicine with Scripps. He says the second wave could extend flu season this year by several weeks, and it could even last through May.
“I think this year is an aberration compared to most recent years,” said Dr. LaVine.
If you haven’t gotten vaccinated yet, it’s not too late. Dr. LaVine calls the vaccine an act of citizenship – protecting not only yourself, but the most vulnerable, which include young children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems.
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Besides getting the flu shot, it’s important to wash your hands regularly, and call out sick from work if you’re feeling like you’re coming down with the flu.
You can still get sick from Flu B, even if you had Flu A earlier in the season.
