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Flu cases surge: Here's what you need to know to stay healthy

Posted at 1:09 PM, Jan 04, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-05 13:06:30-05

(WXYZ) — Flu cases are on the rise. And the CDC has confirmed one child in Michigan has died. That brings the number of national influenza-related pediatric deaths to 11.

Question: Are we seeing a more flu activity here in Michigan?

Absolutely, local flu activity is steadily rising. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports a 3.2 percent hike in folks seeking medical care for flu-like illnesses. The main flu strain currently circulating is the Influenza A/H1N1. But the good news is that H1N1 has been included in this year’s annual flu vaccine. So a great way to protect yourself is to make sure you get the flu shot.

Question: There are lots of colds circulating, how do you if it’s a cold or the flu?

Many people easily get these two respiratory illnesses mixed up. They both can infect your airways and cause coughing. But the flu comes on fast and furious. You’ll typically have a high fever, chills & sweats, and severe aches all over. Now a cold can also cause body aches, but they’re generally milder. You are also more likely to have a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing and a sore throat with a cold.

Question: We know it’s important to get the flu shot. But is it too late or can we still get it?

It is not too late to get the flu vaccine. It takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop, but you’ll be ready for when the flu peaks which is usually late January, early February. I’ve also got other steps you can take to stay healthy, so my prescriptions:

Partha’s RX

1. Clean your cell phone. You touch and carry it everywhere with you. And viruses and other germs can cling to it and get passed around.

2. After you clean your phone, wash your hands with soap and water. Be sure to do this frequently.

3. Next, keep your hand out of the office candy bowl. If you touch something that was also touched by a sick person, you could pick up their germs.

4. And lastly, avoid close contact with sick people. If you do get sick, please stay home until you’re much better.

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This week on The Dr. Nandi Show, the importance of purpose is examined. Dr. Nandi speaks with some of America’s most powerful motivators on how they made extraordinary changes to their lives. Best-selling author and speaker Mastin Kipp, along with Ben Nemtin, star of The Buried Life, and certified life coach Helene Stelian share creative ways to “Grab Your Life Back”. Tune in this Saturday, January 5th, 2019 at 1 p.m.