While the focus of many is on the coronavirus, Louisiana is still dealing with an intense flu season. Assistant state health officer Dr. Joseph Kanter says the seasonal flu should still not be taken lightly as it can be devastating for both age extremes in young and elderly people.
“Folks need to know that the flu is far deadlier to us in Louisiana than Coronavirus has proven to be elsewhere in the country,” said Kanter.
In a typical flu season, the regional baseline for the percentage of doctor visits for flu-like symptoms is just below 4%. Kanter says currently, the national and statewide rates are outpacing that number.
“The national U.S average is 5.3% and in Louisiana, where we consistently outrank other states when it comes to the flu, we are at 9.8%.”
Kanter says with more people taking action to prevent the spread of coronavirus, they are also helping in the fight against the spread of the flu.
“Those two viruses spread very similar in fact some of the symptoms are almost identical and the way to protect yourself is consistent across both of those,” said Kanter.
The best protection from the flu is getting vaccinated. He also urges all residents to wash their hands frequently.
