According to the Centers for Disease Control, CDC, when it comes to the flu, Mississippi is in the red.
Dr. Bhagyashri Navalkele, who is an assistant professor of infectious disease medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center said that the reason why the flu is so widespread right now is that it is happening earlier than usual.
The main symptoms of the flu are fever, headache, extreme tiredness, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches, but usually, not stomach nausea. Navalkele added that this year, it seems the flu shot isn’t working.
Navalkele added that taking the necessary precautions is imperative to keeping the flu at bay.
Tips to avoid the flu:
- Clean your hands
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your mouth and nose
- Avoid close contact with others who are ill
