Take precautions this flu season

The American Press

Many people already have taken the most significant step to fend off the dreaded flu by getting this season’s vaccination. Others have not, meaning they are more susceptible to the disease.

The peak flu activity could hit soon.

That means if you haven’t gotten a flu vaccination yet, now is the time.

Health officials nationwide last year said the flu season killed more than 79,000 people, including many children, the deadliest outbreak since the 2009 pandemic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

A flu vaccine can possibly have prevented that.

The flu vaccine is offered at virtually all health care providers and many area pharmacies so it is easily accessible.

The CDC also suggest that an annual flu vaccination may also stimulate the immune system’s “memory” in fighting the infection each season.

Besides getting the vaccine, the CDC recommends prevention measures like staying home when you’re sick, avoiding close contact with sick people, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, washing your hands and taking anti-viral medicines if your doctor prescribes them.

No defense is 100 percent, but doing what you can, including getting a flu shot, will go a long way to keeping you and your family healthy.

A vaccination and other preventive steps give people a better likelihood of warding off the flu and having a healthier winter.

That sounds far more appealing than suffering with the flu and facing potentially serious health consequences.””

In this Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018 file photo, Ana Martinez, a medical assistant at the Sea Mar Community Health Center, gives a patient a flu shot in Seattle. The 2018 U.S. flu season got off to an early start, and was driven by a nasty type of flu that tend to put more people in the hospital and cause more deaths than other common flu bugs.

Ted S. Warren

SportsPlus

Local News

WEATHER UPDATE: Severe storms possible overnight

Local News

Town hall meetings, candidate forums, debates planned ahead of March election

Crime

2/18: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Republicans consider cuts and work requirements for Medicaid, jeopardizing care for millions

McNeese Sports

Rain washes away Cowboys’ trip

Local News

Temple: Changes to La. insurance industry won’t be felt overnight

Local News

Dispute over Gulf name may be headed to court

McNeese Sports

Cowboys rally for big win

Crime

Hitman will continue to serve life sentence in Fourth of July murder

Local News

Delta Airlines flight flips over on landing at Toronto’s Pearson Airport and 8 people are hurt

Local News

School Board looks to make up lost time due to snow days

Local News

Jennings councilman wants to change rules for hiring, firing attorney

life

Preserving history for future generations: Exhibit examinins role Black churches play in communities

Local News

Trump administration tries to bring back fired nuclear weapons workers in DOGE reversal

Crime

2/17: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

life

Vote now for the People’s Choice Mardi Gras of SW La.

Local News

Trump begins firings of FAA air traffic control staff just weeks after fatal DC plane crash

McNeese Sports

Showdown in Hammond

McNeese Sports

Diamond roundup: Cowboys fall, Cowgirls win

Local News

US eggs prices hit a record high of $4.95 and are likely to keep climbing

Local News

Several Louisiana public university athletic programs — including McNeese — face financial deficits

Local News

Getting back on par: The long and short of the National Golf Club of Louisiana

Local News

NASA sending DeRidder students’ experiment into stratosphere

Local News

Shady Lane man found unresponsive has died