Flu Cases Soar in Shreveport: What You Need to Know
SHREVEPORT, La. – In a surprising twist to this year’s flu season, residents of Louisiana are grappling with soaring flu cases that are outpacing much of the country. Can you believe it? With a flu-positive rate greater than 11%, Louisiana has become a hotbed for the virus, sitting right next to Washington D.C. in terms of infection levels. That means, statistically speaking, one out of every nine people is falling victim to the flu. Yikes!
Why is It Happening?
So, what’s behind this sudden surge? According to Dr. David Janese, a primary care physician at LSU Health Shreveport, it seems like almost everyone is catching the virus, but it’s especially hitting our little ones hard. “You know, all across our state, in the emergency departments, parents are bringing their children in for high fevers, some reaching as high as 104 or 105 degrees,” Dr. Janese explains. It’s a pretty chilling situation when little ones are suffering, and it’s understandable that parents feel extra worried when they see their babies in such discomfort.
As schools in the area report increasing absenteeism, parents are left wondering just how many kids are out sick. For example, a spokeswoman for Bossier Schools shared alarming news: on Monday, there were 1,897 students absent. And guess what? That number has shot up to 2,396 today! This flu season is certainly taking a toll on families and children’s education.
What Can You Do?
Feeling anxious about the flu? Don’t let fear take over your life. Dr. Janese reassures us that it’s never too late to get the flu vaccine. He emphatically recommends it to everyone to boost protection from this nasty virus. “Getting the flu shot can really help reduce the severity and number of cases we’re seeing,” he says. And alongside that, don’t forget the good old tips of always washing your hands – yes, scrub-a-dub-dub!
If you or your loved ones start feeling under the weather, remember that it’s perfectly okay to stay home! Taking care of your health is important, and nobody wants to spread those germs around. It’s better to rest and recover than to push through and potentially spread the illness to others.
Stay Safe and Take Care!
In the meantime, keep an eye on your health and the health of your family members. Flu season can be a challenging time for everyone, but by staying informed and taking proactive measures, we can help combat this uptick in cases.
As always, keep an ear out for local news updates and health advisories. Your health and the health of your community matter, and together, we can ride out this flu season stronger and healthier!
And remember, wash those hands, consider the flu shot, and most importantly, listen to your body. Stay safe, Shreveport!
