Flu season is officially here in Wisconsin, with 330 positive influenza cases reported last week alone by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
To help prevent the flu in people who are at high risk for severe complications, the American Lung Association and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation released a toolkit specifically for caregivers of adults 65 and over through their “Fend Off Flu” campaign. During the 2019 – 2020 flu season, it is estimated the flu sent approximately 380,000 people to the hospital with related complications and caused an estimated 20,000 deaths in the United States, which is why getting vaccinated should be a priority.
The flu vaccine is the best protection against contracting and spreading the illness.
In addition to vaccination, the CDC recommends the following everyday actions. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth, cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or your elbow, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
