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Daule, Ecuador

Cold & Flu

Flu Update: Six States Now Reporting Regional Outbreaks

February 3, 2012

UPDATED By WeatherBug Meteorologist, John Bateman

As we head through early February more states are reporting influenza activity. Here`s a look at some tips to help keep you from getting the flu:

The biggest defense against the flu is getting a yearly flu shot. High risk groups like the elderly, children under 2 and pregnant women should get the flu shots as soon as possible to maximize protection.

This year`s seasonal influenza vaccine virus strains are identical to those contained in the 2010-11 vaccine - the H3N2 virus, influenza B and the H1N1 virus. These are the three flu strains the U.S. government`s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believe will be predominate during this winter`s flu season.

Please note, however, that even if you were vaccinated last year, you need to be vaccinated again this year. This is because several studies have shown that a person`s protective antibody against influenza viruses declines over the course of a year after vaccination and infection, particularly in the elderly. So, a flu shot given during one season, or an infection acquired in one season, may not provide adequate protection through later seasons.

Looking at the flu reports for the U.S. from the past week, here is the latest update from the CDC:

Regional influenza activity is now being reported in six states - the most so far this season. Those states are: California, Colorado, Kentucky, Missouri, New Hampshire, and Virginia.

Local influenza activity was reported in 13 states; Alabama, Georgia,Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.

Sporadic influenza activity was reported by Guam, Puerto Rico, and 31 states; Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

No influenza activity was reported by only the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For those of you who are not able to get a flu shot, there are other things you can do to minimize your risk for contracting the flu:

Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
Avoid exposing others when you are sick. Stay home from work or school if you are exhibiting symptoms.
Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
Wash your hands frequently.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Be sure to keep WeatherBug active to receive the latest weather in your neighborhood and get the latest updates anywhere on Twitter at WeatherBug WeatherBuzz.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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