CDC warns flu epidemic is ravaging Alabama, here's how to avoid it

Map showing influenza-like illness (ILI) levels across the United States for the week ending Dec. 20, 2014 (Source: CDC)

According to the Centers for Disease Control, “influenza-like illness” (ILI) is reaching epidemic proportions in Alabama and 21 other states around the country, including almost the entire Southeast.

According to a CDC report, 28 percent of the specimens tested and reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) between Dec. 14-20 were positive for influenza.

Nationwide, “the highest rate of hospitalization was among adults aged ≥65 years (38.3 per 100,000 population), followed by children aged 0-4 years (13.4 per 100,000 population),” the report states.

Twenty-two states are currently experiencing “high ILI activity,” while the activity is “moderate” in six states, “low” and eight states and “minimal” in 14 states.

This year’s December uptick in Alabama’s influenza activity is following a similar pattern as last year, when the state experienced its most widespread outbreak of 2013.

Alabama and Louisiana were the first states in the country to experience “high” levels of influenza activity five weeks ago. Since then the virus has spread like wildfire across the country, killing at least 15 children.

The CDC recommends getting vaccinated each year to avoid the flu, but concedes that this year’s vaccination has not been particularly effective due to a viral mutation.

Here are 6 simple tips from the CDC to help keep the flu from continuing to spread:

1. Avoid close contact.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick.

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3. Cover your mouth and nose.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands.

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.