FAYETTEVILLE, AR (KNWA) – Northwest Health System is seeing an uptick in flu cases, and experts say the peak of the season is just around the corner.
Infectious disease experts at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health have created a formula to forecast the flu. The school uses real time flu data, and a mathematical formula used for weather forecasting to predict the virus’s spread.
The interactive tool, available here, shows the peak between December 20th and the 27th.
Doctor Lynn Davis of Northwest Health System says getting a flu vaccine every year is the most effective way to protect yourself.
“It’s important to get out and get a flu shot because it does take 2 weeks for the antibodies to build up in your system,” Davis says.
You can also lessen your chances of getting sick by eating healthy, staying hydrated, and making sure to get plenty of sleep. She says to avoid people who are sick, but warns you can get the flu from someone who isn’t yet showing symptoms, so it is important to wash hands or use sanitizer more frequently.
If you do get sick, you can be contagious for up to a week, and Davis says you should stay home from work or school until you have been fever free for at least 24 hours.
Infectious disease experts at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health have created a formula to forecast the flu. The school uses real time flu data, and a mathematical formula used for weather forecasting to predict the virus’s spread.
The interactive tool, available here, shows the peak between December 20th and the 27th.
Doctor Lynn Davis of Northwest Health System says getting a flu vaccine every year is the most effective way to protect yourself.
“It’s important to get out and get a flu shot because it does take 2 weeks for the antibodies to build up in your system,” Davis says.
You can also lessen your chances of getting sick by eating healthy, staying hydrated, and making sure to get plenty of sleep. She says to avoid people who are sick, but warns you can get the flu from someone who isn’t yet showing symptoms, so it is important to wash hands or use sanitizer more frequently.
If you do get sick, you can be contagious for up to a week, and Davis says you should stay home from work or school until you have been fever free for at least 24 hours.
