Flu Activity in Alabama Increases for the Fourth Week in a Row.

Flu activity in Alabama has increased for the fourth week in a row.

The latest figures from the Alabama Department of Public Health indicate flu is widespread in seven of the state’s eight districts – only Mobile has escaped a larger number of cases.  The greatest number of cases has been reported in the northern part of the state, followed by northeastern and western central areas.  Alabama is one of 47 states reporting widespread flu activity.

Since September, flu is blamed for one pediatric death and 14 adult deaths in Alabama.  Flu can cause mild to severe illness with symptoms often coming on quickly. People who are sick with the flu often experience fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue and, in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea.

Most people recover within a few days to less than two weeks – however – life-threatening complications, including pneumonia, can develop.  Flu is especially dangerous for high-risk individuals, including people 65 years and older; people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions including asthma, diabetes or heart disease;  also pregnant women and children younger than 5 years, and especially those younger than 2 years of age.

The reports of flu-like illness in the state are 8.4%, with 147 outbreaks from February 3rd – 9th according to the ADPH.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, flu-like illness is when you have a fever of at least 100 degrees, a cough and a sore throat.

(AL.COM/www.al.com)

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