This current flu season is on track to be one of the deadliest and far reaching in terms of the total number of people inflicted and killed. At the start of the season, officials noticed something very unusual: The main strain of flu virus circulating was a type called influenza B. Influenza B, the viral strain that usually circulates toward the end of flu season, emerged first this year, shifting usual transmission patterns. Evidence suggests that children and younger adults may be at greater risk this year than ever before bringing a nationwide concern about life-threatening complications.
As of January 11, 2020, nationally, 32 children have died of the flu, 21 of those deaths were associated with influenza B viruses. Last year at this time 16 children had died.
The CDC estimates that this year will be one of the worst flu seasons in recent history not only with the influenza B virus but the influenza A(H1N1) virus that is steadily increasing. So far there have been at least 13 million flu illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations and 6,600 deaths from flu.
Adults and the elderly still need to be cautious of the flu, since older adults account for the most flu deaths each year.
What is Influenza?
Influenza A and B are the two primary strains of the virus that cause illness in humans. They both cause typical flu symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, chills, body aches and fatigue, and it’s nearly impossible to tell which one you have without a lab test.
Within each type, there are further subcategories. Influenza A subtypes are categorized by the combination of proteins on the virus’ surface; the two most common in humans are H1N1 and H3N2. Influenza B, meanwhile, is divided into two lineages, Victoria and Yamagata. So far this season, influenza B Victoria viruses have caused the most lab-confirmed flu diagnoses, followed by influenza A H1N1 viruses, according to CDC data. Both of those strains are known to primarily affect children and younger adults, rather than the elderly.
The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. The flu spreads mostly from person to person, and people with flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after their illness begins.
Flu viruses travel through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can inhale the droplets directly, or you can pick up the germs from an object and then transfer them to your eyes, nose, or mouth. People with flu can spread it to others up to about six feet away.
How can we protect ourselves?
Complementary to taking the MBi Silver daily for fast-acting innate immune support, there are many things you can do to support your immune system.
Wash your hands often! Wipe down grocery cart handles, doorknobs, and any frequently touched surface.
Get plenty of sleep and reduce stress. Stress and lack of sleep can elevate cortisol causing immune suppression.
Exercise! Exercising strengthens your immune system, lowers stress and improves sleep.
Get out in the SUN! Sunlight promotes your body to produce natural vitamin D, helping your immune system stay strong.
Lower your intake of caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol are known to suppress your immune system.
Laugh and have fun! Studies show that laughter can stimulate many organs increasing the endorphins that are released by your brain, activate and relieve your stress response, soothe tension, improve your immune system, relieve pain and improve your mood.
MBi Silver is your #1 choice for fast-acting innate immune system support. Take up to 3 teaspoons daily during the cold and flu season to help keep you strong and healthy!
