The 2013 Flu Epidemic

Could This Year's Flu Be The Worst Flu Pandemic Since The "Spanish Flu"?

Between the years 1918 and 1920, the world experienced one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. More lives were lost in the influenza outbreak than in the First World War, which was coming to its conclusion as the disease began to spread throughout the United States, Great Britain and Europe. The “Spanish Flu,” as it came to be called, attacked suddenly, violently and seemed to disappear nearly as quickly as it spread. Millions died, and no one was—or is—able to determine exactly why this strain proved so devastating, or if another catastrophic disease of its nature could hit again.

The flu is a seasonal pest. We are all encouraged to prepare ourselves by getting flu shots, but the severity of the illnesses is obviously nowhere near as intense as that which hit the world at the end of World War I. Even though people do become ill with the flu every year, no one can ever predict how widespread it will become, or if any of the cases will prove fatal. Indeed, some years it is barely even noticeable. Unfortunately, this year has proved to be the exception.

This Years Flu has Claimed the Lives of Over 100 People

This year’s flu season has blossomed into what many consider an epidemic. To date, the flu has killed more than 100 people and infected thousands more. Unlike the flu of recent seasons, which is usually particularly hard on the elderly and people with compromised immune systems, this flu seems to be taking the lives of young and strong people. Government health officials are of differing opinions on whether the worst of the flu has already been seen, or is yet to come. The New York Time s reported that the outbreak has likely reached its peak. Reports of infections have gone down—4 percent of doctor visits are due to flu, as opposed of 6 percent from the first week of January. However, Governor Andrew Cuomo has declared a health emergency for the State of New York, so that vaccines could be more readily available for all residents.

Unfortunately, Physicians Can Only Monitor Flu Progression in Patients

Even though the flu can be deadly for older people and people with other existing conditions, it generally doesn't require hospital admission for treatment. Indeed, apart from administering vaccinations, there isn't much that a physician can do for a common case of the flu apart from monitoring the progression. If you have the symptoms of the flu—dry cough, fever, chills, fatigue, headaches, body aches and gastric distress—it is a good idea to stay hydrated, eat hot chicken soup, stay warm and get plenty of sleep. However, if you experience more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or the consistent inability to keep food and/or fluids down, then a doctor should be seen immediately.