Ballad Health says this flu season has been relatively mild so far, but expects flu cases to rise in coming weeks.
Influenza is currently considered “widespread” in 30 states, including Virginia, but not in Tennessee. However, despite a record-breaking flu season last year, cases are down so far this year in Tennessee and across the nation.
“This flu season, we’re seeing a milder year, so far,” said Jamie Swift, Ballad Health’s Director of Infection Prevention. “But we are, over the past couple of weeks, starting to see an increase. So we think the spread is just now starting.”
Ballad still recommends people get a flu shot.
“It is not too late for people to get vaccinated, so we are encouraging people to know that it is here, it is going to spread, and to go get your vaccine now,” Swift said.
Of course, preventing the flu also involves other measures.
“Everyday prevention tips are washing your hands, covering your cough, staying home when you are sick, and making sure that you keep your children at home when they are sick,” Swift said.
Swift says the mild flu season is due to the circulation of the H1N1 virus, instead of the H3N2 virus.
