by Jennifer Macon-Steele

Created on: January 23, 2010

The CDC, Center for Disease Control, says that the seasonal flu virus has been almost non-existent this year.

 What’s going on?

The CDC says, ”Flu viruses are really unpredictable in how they will circulate. Because the H1N1 virus is new and a lot of people are susceptible to it, it got entrenched and has become the pandemic virus that is circulating. Therefore, we are not seeing some of the other viruses."

 What that means is that the flu is like a container for eggs. If one virus takes up all the spots, then the rest of the flu has nowhere to go.

 H1N1 was a strong presence around the world this year. It was especially strong in the autumn, when the seasonal flu tends to start revving up. October was the height of the H1N1 pandemic in the United States.

 United States emergency rooms are reporting the same number of flu patients seen during other times during the year. Most years, emergency rooms, doctor’s offices and hospitals see the number of flu patients spike during the cold winter months.

Flu season is still young, so don’t write it off just yet. The CDC warns that we could still see a wave of the seasonal flu before the season is over.

 Flu symptoms can include symptoms similar to a cold, such as a runny nose and coughing. Patients can often experience nausea and vomiting. The flu is usually characterized by those problems as well as a general aching in the joints and muscles. There is no way to know for sure if you have a case of seasonal flu or H1N1 without a test done at a doctor's office.

 Doctors say that the way to combat the flu, whether it’s seasonal or the H1N1 virus, is to take plenty of fluids and rest. If your fever spikes or the symptoms are extreme, see a doctor. Also stay home from work or school so that you don’t spread the illness to others.

 Children with the flu should be taken to the emergency room if they are listless and lethargic, dehydrated or have difficulty breathing. Children can sometimes have more extreme cases of the flu because of the way their bodies work. Also children may be more likely to get the flu because of their direct contact with other children.

 When in doubt, see a doctor. After all that’s what they’re there for.

 Avoid the flu just like your mother taught you. Wash you hands often, taking plenty of time for the suds to do their work. Get plenty of rest, eat right and stay active. Also avoid the kid with the constantly runny nose.

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