The influenza virus can cause flu-related illnesses and other health consequences for millions of people annually. By protecting yourself against the disease, families can ensure they are vaccinated, hygienic, and less likely to get the disease.
A big part of preventing the flu virus is knowing how, and where, the flu virus is likely to spread. Certain publicly shared spaces and environments have a greater chance of increased flu activity versus staying outdoors for prolonged periods of time. This is because the flu passes from host to host more rapidly when people are inside contained spaces. The flu is more likely to pass through direct contact, such as touching hands with an infected patient, or through airborne transmission.
Your child’s schools are more likely to experience increased flu activity than most other places
Younger children between the ages of 6-12 usually have the highest incidences of flu activity and infection than other schools. The result of this is usually children that haven’t quite learned how to stay hygienic are are still learning how to prevent the common cold and flu.
Teachers, school staff, and school nurses do their best to teach children how to stay healthy and safe during flu season. Sometimes, schools will organize special events to help prevent the flu, but it may not be enough.
Additionally, middle and high schools are also likely to see upticks in flu activity since the close proximity of several students can quickly cause a flu outbreak.
Workplaces and offices usually lead to significant flu activity
An office setting or a workplace can also breed flu epidemics and outbreaks if employees don’t stay at home with the flu.
Many employees may feel obligated to continue working even though they show signs of having the flu [link]. When this happens, the flu can travel across desks, countertops, and from direct peer-to-peer interactions.
The flu is attributed to massive setbacks in production and workforce participation since many employees may not be sure if the flu is going around at their office.
Remember to get a flu shot at FirstCall Medical Center to stay safe in flu-heavy environments!
As a friendly reminder, FirstCall Medical Center provides effective flu shots for patients that are fast, affordable, and accessible flu shots any day of the week!
Simply call in advance or get directions to get your flu shot ASAP! Our walk-in clinic allows patients to get their shots without an appointment.