NEW ORLEANS — As we enter another busy holiday week health officials are warning families to consider the spread of influenza this season. According to the CDC, Louisiana is one of two states experiencing the most flu activity this month.
Dr. Corey Hebert says influenza is nothing to play with.
“You can die,” said Dr. Hebert. “People die from the flu every year.”
He says the best way to prevent those severe cases is to get a flu shot.
“It's too late to get the shot to protect you in the next week,” he said. “But it’s not too late to protect you for three to four weeks from now.”
He says that’s especially important since the city of New Orleans is expecting to host some major events in the coming months.
“Sometimes we’ve had outbreaks in March or April,” he said.
So far, the CDC says along with the flu RSV cases are also climbing across the state.
Hebert says there is still a thing you can do to make sure you and your family stay safe during holiday gatherings.
- Wash your hands
- Carry Hand Sanitizer
- Wear a mask around family if you feel sick
- Keep your hands off high-traffic areas like escalators and public doors.
And while some cases can be more severe, Hebert says most flu cases can be treated at home or with prescription medication.
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