Flu season could be reaching its peak, but it doesn't mean its gone for good.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) weekly U.S. influenza summary update still has 47 under "widespread" reports of the flu. California, Hawaii, and Mississippi are the only states not to have widespread flu reports, instead they're classified either as "regional" or "sporadic."
According to the CDC, "Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently."
The CDC noted that between 1976 and 2007, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the U.S. range between 3,000 to 49,000 people
The Mayo Clinic has prepared a "Flu symptoms self-assessment: Do you have the flu?" survey. The self-assessment is not meant to diagnose the flu but assist in planning for absence from work or school for ages six and older for people to understand the symptoms.
Questions include a list of possible symptoms such as fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, stuffy or runny nose, dry cough, sore throat, severe widespread muscle aches, extreme fatigue or exhaustion, and headache. It also asks how long the surveyor had the symptoms, if less or more than 48 hours.
To test the survey, click here.
The Nebraska Radio Network reported on how flu symptoms are similar to carbon monoxide. Public Education Specialist with the Nebraska Regional Poison Center Joan McVoy said the similar symptoms include headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, and shortness of breath.
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