Flu Season

When most people think of the flu, they fear the symptoms of fever, chills, sore throat and muscle aches. While the flu is no picnic, for most people a few days in bed, a lot of hot fluids and some over the counter medicines for symptom relief are enough to weather a moderate case. Yet, for some people, the flu presents a serious threat. Each year hundreds of thousands of people die from the flu worldwide.

Influenza outbreaks generally occur during the winter months, some believe this is because people spend more time indoors and in close contact during these months. Due to the fact that winter occurs at different times in the northern and southern hemispheres, there are two flu seasons each year. Since the flu virus mutates so easily, it is possible for a new strain to evolve between two seasons. To combat these strains, millions of people see their doctor or some type of health clinic to get a flu shot. While not foolproof, these vaccinations are the only effective method for flu prevention.