Staying healthy for flu season
CHICAGO (WLS) -- According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are more than a billion annual cases of cold and flu reported in the U.S. each year. In the Chicago area in 2014, nearly 10 percent of hospital ER visits were related to flu-like illness.
Viruses are constantly changing, making it impossible to predict how severe each flu season will become. However, there are ways to keep you and your family flu-free.
Contrary to what we were told as children, wet hair cannot cause a cold or flu. Neither can stepping out into the cold without a hat or gloves. A cold or flu is actually caused by any one of more than 200 viruses. It begins when a tiny dose of a virus is inhaled from a droplet sneezed or coughed into the air or transmitted by touch. Other factors that can increase your chances of getting sick are age, lack of sleep, increased stress, and poor diet.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends everyone get vaccinated for influenza. Now, CURAD, the Mundelein-based medical products company, has a new flu assessment tool to identify risk factors and help you stay protected.
Martie Moore, the chief nursing officer at CURAD, joined ABC 7 Eyewitness News to discuss ways to protect your family this flu season.
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