PRINCETON, W.Va. -Flu is now peaking in the area, and prevention is the best way to avoid the highly contagious virus as well as other respiratory illnesses.
Influenza type A saw an almost 30 percent increase in lab reports at WVU Princeton Community Hospital from Jan. 26 to Jan. 29, far greater than the 8.7 percent increase during the week of Jan. 12-18.
Hospital officials say this indicates widespread flu activity in the area.
Residents are urged to take precautions, including getting vaccinated, practicing good hand hygiene, and seeking medical care if experiencing severe symptoms—especially for high-risk individuals such as young children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions.
Symptoms of influenza can include high fever, runny nose, headaches, cough, and muscle/joint pain. People with the flu are most contagious during the first three days of their illness.
Influenza ranks as the 12th leading cause of death in the United States. On average, 36,000 people die from influenza annually, with many more requiring hospitalizations.
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