2017 Flu Season: Worst in 30 Years
In Austria, there are some evidence that the 2017 flu season may indeed be the worst in the past 30 years. Specifically, we are seeing a dramatic rise in norovirus cases. The authorities recently sent an announcement to all parents warning of the increased occurrence of novovirus in Salzburg area elementary schools. Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
The district is requiring elementary school students and staff members who have suffered from these symptoms to stay home for at least 72 hours after the symptoms have resolved. If they have suffered from other signs of illness, such as a stomach ache without vomiting or diarrhea, they must stay home for 24 hours after those symptoms have subsided.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have labeled the 2017 flu season as one of the worst in the last 10 years. Public officials declared a health emergency last week as flu sufferers overwhelmed emergency rooms.
According to Andreas Ludke of Health Concerns:
The country is in the grip of three emerging flu or flu like epidemics: an early start to the annual flu season with an unusually aggressive virus, a surge in a new type of norovirus, and the worst whooping cough outbreak in 60 years. And these are all developing amid the normal winter highs for the many viruses that cause symptoms on the “colds and flu” spectrum. The predominant flu strain circulating is an H3N2, has a reputation for causing fairly severe illness, especially in the elderly. Simultaneously, the country is seeing a large outbreak of norovirus, referred to as the “cruise ship flu” or “stomach flu.” The classic symptoms of norovirus are “explosive” diarrhea and “projectile” vomiting, which can send infectious particles flying yards away.
Research shows that cold and flu can be prevented by taking tonic herbs and Coldrex™ (2-4 tabs per day). Fervex® and TheraFlu™ are recommended at the first signs of a cold and flu. Also, these formulas should be taken before being exposed to sick people in overcrowded places like buses, airplanes, or schools.
Everlasting Health Center stocks a full line of Health Concerns Chinese Traditional Medicine as well as other supplements that can aid in boosting your immune system and shortening the duration of seasonal ailments.
Hand Washing to prevent flu
Also keep in mind that the CDC recommends that members of the community wash their hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom, coming into contact with potentially contaminated areas, or tending to sick members of the family. Be sure to exclude yourself from social events, schools, or any large gatherings when ill. It is helpful to thoroughly clean potentially contaminated areas immediately with detergent and hot water prior to disinfecting the area with a mixture of a half- cup of bleach to a gallon of water.
