From Local 3 News: If you haven't got a flu shot this year you may want to consider it. Right now Tennessee is leading the nation in influenza rel
From Local 3 News: If you haven’t got a flu shot this year you may want to consider it. Right now Tennessee is leading the nation in influenza related illness.
Not only is Tennessee seeing the highest level of flu activity in the country, the Chattanooga metro area is the second most affected region in the whole state.
“Lots of respiratory illness, you know fevers, coughs, defiantly lots of people confirmed diagnosed with flu for sure,” said Natalie McQueen, Physicians Assistant with Chattanooga Family Practice.
Natalie McQueen tells us they saw an uptick in flu cases starting around the holidays.
The CDC’s most recent weekly U.S. influenza surveillance report shows Tennessee in purple, meaning it’s rated the highest of ‘very high’ illness levels.
McQueen believes there is a reason Tennessee is being impacted.
“One factor that does play a big role, especially in our area, is the low vaccination rates for the flu,” said McQueen.
McQueen says the flu vaccine helps prevent further spread of the virus and also greatly decreases the severity of the illness.
If you do get the flu she advises to stay home to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
“Definitely fever reducing medications like Tylenol and Ibuprofen can be very helpful for fevers, aches and pains, body aches, headaches, that kind of thing,” said McQueen.
Right now the Chattanooga metro area is above the state average for outpatient visits for the flu at 12.1% and just below the Memphis metro area who leads the state with 15.6%.
McQueen encourages people to get the flu vaccine. But other preventative steps include washing hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
“If you think you may have the flu, or have been exposed to the flu, certainly see your primary care doctor or urgent care center to be evaluated,” said McQueen.
To keep up with flu rates in the state, click here.
