Flu season update: Widespread flu activity in reported in Virginia

Leanna Smith | The News Leader

The Virginia Department of Health reports that the flu is now considered widespread in Virginia.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention measures geographic spread of influenza using five categories: no activity, sporadic, local activity, regional and widespread. Influenza activity is considered widespread when there is lab activity with elevated influenza-like illnesses or more than one outbreak in three or more regions.

In Virginia, the week ending Nov. 28 was the first of the season with widespread flu activity. The state received 90 confirmed lab reports of influenza during the week, according to the department. Last year, the flu did not become widespread in Virginia until the week ending December 29.

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Across the country, 16 states reported widespread levels of influenza activity, according to the CDC.

The states that reported widespread flu activity were:

Alabama

California

Connecticut

Georgia

Indiana

Louisiana

Massachusetts

Mississippi

Nevada

New Mexico

New York

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

Virginia

How to stay healthy

Getting vaccinated is the single best thing you can do to avoid the flu, according to the CDC. They recommend that nearly everyone 6 months or older gets vaccinated each year.

If you haven't already gotten your vaccine, it is not too late. Getting vaccinated in January or later can still be helpful because flu viruses can circulate as late as May, the department said.

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get a #fluvaccine. It's not too late.#FightFlu https://t.co/mexWWHYtNs — CDC Flu (@CDCFlu) December 6, 2019

In addition, the CDC recommends the following precautions:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Stay home when you feel unwell

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing

Wash your hands frequently

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

Disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school

Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food

Share questions, comments or story ideas with Leanna Smith at lsmith@newsleader.com. Follow her on Twitter @LeannaCSmith.

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