This year's flu season is off to a formidable start. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that "most of the country is now experiencing high levels of influenza-like-illness," and that they are getting reports of people being severely ill and requiring hospitalization. The city of Boston has declared a public health emergency, with about 700 confirmed cases and 18 deaths in Massachusetts to date.
Health officials say that the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu is by getting the flu vaccine. You can also take important steps to avoid getting sick such as making sure you wash your hands often, avoiding touching your face (especially the nose, mouth, and eyes, which are prime pathways for germs get into your body), and eating right and getting plenty of sleep.- Related Articles:
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- 7 Best Ways to Boost Your Family's Immune System Function
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- 10 Best Foods to Boost Your Immune System
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The Vaccine Education Center at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has a variety of resources related to influenza and influenza vaccines. Check them out at http://vaccine.chop.edu or http://vaccine.chop.edu/parents.