Ways to protect yourself as flu cases spike across US

CRANSTON, R.I. (WJAR) — Flu cases are skyrocketing nationwide, with more than 7.5 million, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

About 3,100 people have died.

New York saw the most flu cases ever reported in a week.

In Rhode Island and Massachusetts, numbers have spiked, as well.

WJAR’s Barbara Morse explains the steps people can take to protect themselves from flu and respiratory viruses. (WJAR)

“It’s mutated in such a way that it’s able to overcome a lot of immunity that people have,” said Dr. Philip Chan, who spoke on behalf of the Rhode Island Department of Health.

He said the vaccine isn’t a great match for this years circulating flu virus.

“This year, unfortunately, there’s this new strain of flu called H3N2, which does seem to overcome a person’s immunity,” said Chan.

Not a great match, but the vaccine, he said should provide some protection.

“Early data — limited data from other places around the world — suggest it’s about 30% to 40% effective in preventing severe disease,” said Chan.

Chan said symptoms to look for include the following:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• General malaise

But the flu isn’t the only respiratory virus making the rounds, as RSV and COVID-19 are out there, too.

“Unfortunately, people can have multiple viruses at the same time,” said Chan.

That’s why, for many, it’s a good idea to find out what you have specifically.

“Certainly if you’re older, compromised medically, you want to test, you want to get a diagnosis as soon as possible because there are medications that we have that are most effective when taken early in the course of disease,” said Chan.

So, when do you know if you should seek medical help?

“If you’re feeling really sick, if you’re having trouble breathing, you’re not able to eat or drink, you’re having things likje chest pain, really dizzy when you get up, you do want to consider visiting an urgent care center or an emergency department to get checked out,” said Chan.

You don’t want to wait until your symptoms are so bad that they become life-threatening.

Bottom line: the flu vaccine which, again, isn’t a great match, offers some protection. Please note though, it takes about one to two weeks for your body to build immunity after being vaccinated.

And remember, handwashing is a great defense in preventing the spread of germs, and staying home if you’re sick.