This flu season hits hard

By Travonte Boyd

News Reporter

According to the World Health Organization, there have been over 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness and between 290,000 and 650,000 respiratory deaths each year.

The CDC estimates that there have been at least 29 million illnesses, 370,000 hospitalizations, and 16,000 deaths from the flu so far this season. Photo by Miranda Teverbaugh.

Ladell Alemen stated that the flu has a profoundly negative impact on the world. “People will face a higher risk of contracting this deadly illness.”

Some countries severely lack drugs and medication. This can be detrimental because people may struggle with the flu or pass away for a long time.

“More medication will be scarce in some countries, and more healthcare isn’t feasible. Some people would learn how to endure it or to die off,” Mathew Smith said.

Although their symptoms can be similar, the flu is significantly more serious than a common cold. So, what makes it such a dangerous illness?

“Flu is dangerous because back then people used to die from the common cold because it wasn't getting treated or taken care of,” said Jaliyah Spruiell.

While the flu is a common and manageable illness, it should not be taken lightly. It is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, especially for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

“The flu can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. It can lead to a lot of health issues or death,” Grace Janecko said.

The flu spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land on the noses of nearby people or be inhaled into the lungs. Additionally, touching a contaminated surface with the flu virus and then touching the face can lead to infection.

“The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can lead to mild or severe symptoms, and in some cases, it can be fatal. Annual vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu and its complications,” Jaliyah Spruiell said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu infects millions of people in the United States each year. The influenza virus is responsible for this and can potentially lead to serious complications. The most effective way to slow the spread of the influenza virus is by receiving an annual flu vaccine.

“Influenza is a serious disease. It’s not just a common cold. It can lead up to hospitalization, pneumonia, and even death," Tom Frieden said.