Have you ever had the flu before? Hopefully you haven’t, and won’t catch it. This flu season that is currently happening has been a deadly one. There have been eight times as many cases of flu than last year in San Diego. Many people have been affected by the flu and it is striking fear into communities everywhere. Facilities everywhere are full of sick people with influenza.

    The flu shot has not been the most effective, as this incredibly rapid, mutating virus has filled emergency rooms from Oceanside to Chula Vista. There has been over 5,000 cases in the past three weeks in San Diego alone. Deaths have quadrupled in a single week, as 34 people have died from it. The total amount of deaths have been 45 this flu season.

    Some facilities have set up special tents outside specifically for the flu to accommodate the amount of people that have gone to the emergency rooms. Most hospitals have reported to impose restrictions on visits to limit the amount of people at the hospitals. Most of these visitation restrictions will be barring children from entering. Hospitals are also looking for other ways to put more restrictions since this is a growing season.

     The current flu shot has only been 30% effective, but even then it still prevents many cases of flu, as it is proven that the past flu shots were only 10 percent effective. The steps recommended for protection from the flu include getting the flu shot, but also step up your hygienic habits as well.

    Frequently wash your hands and reduce contact as much as you can with people. People can spread flu when symptoms have not even shown themselves yet. Your friends could be passing on this potentially deadly disease to you. Be as clean as possible and if you have the flu, use a mask so you don’t spread it and avoid visiting loved ones with the flu until they no longer have it, just to play it safe.