More Than 100 Are Dead As The Worst Flu Epidemic In Years Sweeps Across The United States

This flu season is already off to a record-setting beginning, and many believe that it could ultimately be the worst that we have seen in decades.  In fact, it has been reported that if we stay on this current pace that this could truly be the worst flu season in more than 50 years.  As you will see below, the CDC is reporting widespread flu activity from coast to coast, and the death toll has already crossed 100.  Here in the United States, flu season usually begins in October and ends in May, and so we still have a long way to go before it is over.

Normally the mainstream media tries very hard to keep the public calm about these things, but even the Washington Post admits that we are having “a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad flu season”…

The nation is having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad flu season.

Flu is widespread in 46 states, according to reports to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nationally, as of mid-December, at least 106 people had died of the infectious disease.

Usually a flu outbreak is centered in one portion of the country, but this one is different.  According to the CDC, this outbreak is affecting the entire nation, and the number of cases climbed another 5.8 percent within the past week…

“Flu is everywhere in the US right now,” said Dr. Dan Jernigan, director of the CDC’s influenza branch. “This is the first year we’ve had the entire continental US at the same level (of flu activity) at the same time.” It has been an early flu season that seems to be peaking now, he said, with a 5.8% increase in laboratory-confirmed cases this week over last.

Most people that get the flu don’t die, but it is very important for all of us to understand that this is a very serious outbreak.

In California, things have already gotten so bad that some hospitals have started to run out of Tamiflu…

California has been particularly hard hit, with at least 27 deaths of people under 65 attributed to the flu, according to reports. As the number of cases continues to climb there, hospitals are beginning to run out of Tamiflu, the anti-viral medication used to treat the illness.

If you live in an area where the flu is running rampant, it may be wise to avoid public areas for a while.  Unfortunately, the vast majority of us cannot do that.  Most Americans have work or school commitments that cannot be avoided, and the flu can often spread very rapidly in those environments.

Back during the bird flu scare a few years ago, some schools actually closed for a time, and we are starting to see that happen again.  For example, one school down in Texas had a “flu day” on Friday…

A school in San Antonio will be closed Friday for a “flu day” amid an outbreak of influenza.

“While closed, our school will be launching a Super Clean of each classroom for the health of our faculty, staff and students,” San Antonio Christian School posted on Facebook.

Texas has been especially hard-hit by the flu this season, topping Walgreens’ Flu Index, which compiles data from prescriptions used to treat the virus’ symptoms.

Every year the authorities relentlessly promote the flu shot, but large numbers of people that got the flu shot this year are getting sick anyway.

Sadly, the flu shot is not likely to protect you from the very powerful strains of the flu that are dominant this flu season.  In fact, the experts are telling us that the flu shot was only “around 10 percent” effective during the flu season in Australia this year…

U.S. flu specialists say they won’t completely know how powerful this present season’s antibody is until the point that the season is finished. In any case, Australia’s experience recommends viability was just around 10 percent. In the United States, it is 40 to 60 percent powerful in a normal season. Immunizations are less defensive if strains are not the same as anticipated and if sudden transformations happen.

Hopefully everyone out there is stocking up on Vitamin C and echinacea.  We still have more than two months of winter left, and the spread of the flu appears to be accelerating.

If you do get sick, please stay home and don’t expose others.  Many of us like to try to battle through an illness, and in the process we can inadvertently share it with others.

Eventually this flu epidemic will pass, but for now we need to be smart as we weather this storm.

The post More Than 100 Are Dead As The Worst Flu Epidemic In Years Sweeps Across The United States appeared first on The Sleuth Journal.

More Than 100 Are Dead As The Worst Flu Epidemic In Years Sweeps Across The United States

This flu season is already off to a record-setting beginning, and many believe that it could ultimately be the worst that we have seen in decades.  In fact, it has been reported that if we stay on this current pace that this could truly be the worst flu season in more than 50 years.  As you will see below, the CDC is reporting widespread flu activity from coast to coast, and the death toll has already crossed 100.  Here in the United States, flu season usually begins in October and ends in May, and so we still have a long way to go before it is over.

Normally the mainstream media tries very hard to keep the public calm about these things, but even the Washington Post admits that we are having “a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad flu season”…

The nation is having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad flu season.

Flu is widespread in 46 states, according to reports to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nationally, as of mid-December, at least 106 people had died of the infectious disease.

Usually a flu outbreak is centered in one portion of the country, but this one is different.  According to the CDC, this outbreak is affecting the entire nation, and the number of cases climbed another 5.8 percent within the past week…

“Flu is everywhere in the US right now,” said Dr. Dan Jernigan, director of the CDC’s influenza branch. “This is the first year we’ve had the entire continental US at the same level (of flu activity) at the same time.” It has been an early flu season that seems to be peaking now, he said, with a 5.8% increase in laboratory-confirmed cases this week over last.

Most people that get the flu don’t die, but it is very important for all of us to understand that this is a very serious outbreak.

In California, things have already gotten so bad that some hospitals have started to run out of Tamiflu…

California has been particularly hard hit, with at least 27 deaths of people under 65 attributed to the flu, according to reports. As the number of cases continues to climb there, hospitals are beginning to run out of Tamiflu, the anti-viral medication used to treat the illness.

If you live in an area where the flu is running rampant, it may be wise to avoid public areas for a while.  Unfortunately, the vast majority of us cannot do that.  Most Americans have work or school commitments that cannot be avoided, and the flu can often spread very rapidly in those environments.

Back during the bird flu scare a few years ago, some schools actually closed for a time, and we are starting to see that happen again.  For example, one school down in Texas had a “flu day” on Friday…

A school in San Antonio will be closed Friday for a “flu day” amid an outbreak of influenza.

“While closed, our school will be launching a Super Clean of each classroom for the health of our faculty, staff and students,” San Antonio Christian School posted on Facebook.

Texas has been especially hard-hit by the flu this season, topping Walgreens’ Flu Index, which compiles data from prescriptions used to treat the virus’ symptoms.

Every year the authorities relentlessly promote the flu shot, but large numbers of people that got the flu shot this year are getting sick anyway.

Sadly, the flu shot is not likely to protect you from the very powerful strains of the flu that are dominant this flu season.  In fact, the experts are telling us that the flu shot was only “around 10 percent” effective during the flu season in Australia this year…

U.S. flu specialists say they won’t completely know how powerful this present season’s antibody is until the point that the season is finished. In any case, Australia’s experience recommends viability was just around 10 percent. In the United States, it is 40 to 60 percent powerful in a normal season. Immunizations are less defensive if strains are not the same as anticipated and if sudden transformations happen.

Hopefully everyone out there is stocking up on Vitamin C and echinacea.  We still have more than two months of winter left, and the spread of the flu appears to be accelerating.

If you do get sick, please stay home and don’t expose others.  Many of us like to try to battle through an illness, and in the process we can inadvertently share it with others.

Eventually this flu epidemic will pass, but for now we need to be smart as we weather this storm.

The post More Than 100 Are Dead As The Worst Flu Epidemic In Years Sweeps Across The United States appeared first on The Sleuth Journal.

FLU OUTBREAK: Now Impacting 46 States, Epidemic is ‘Widespread’

This year’s strain of the flu is now widespread, spanning 46 states, and can make you fatally sick.  Coupled with how fast the flu has struck, an ineffective vaccine, and how early it hit, this year is shaping up to be one of the worst ones yet for the flu virus.

The strain responsible for the outbreak is H3N2, a particularly deadly variety of influenza and the number of cases have spiked, with 46 states now reporting widespread activity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. The CDC also claims that at least 13 children have died from the flu since October when the season began to really get into full swing.

California has been particularly hard hit, with at least 27 deaths of people under 65 attributed to the flu, according to reports. As the number of cases continues to climb there, hospitals are beginning to run out of Tamiflu, the anti-viral medication used to treat the illness.

The most identified strain of the virus is influenza A (H3N2). According to a CDC emergency health advisory released December 27, 83 percent of reported cases were N3N2, a strain associated with more hospitalizations and deaths in those over 65 years of age and in young children compared to other age groups.

During this year’s flu season in Australia, the vaccine was only 10 percent effective. The CDC still says you should get the flu shot because it will lessen the suffering from symptoms should you contract the flu, even though it will make you sicker in later years. 

“How well the vaccine works can depend in part on the match between the vaccine virus used to produce the vaccine and the circulating viruses that season,” the CDC notes. “It’s not possible to predict what viruses will be most predominant during the upcoming season.” The agency also noted that the vaccine is ineffective due to the mutative nature of this year’s flu strain.

The CDC recommends that all people over the age of five get the shot to reduce the symptoms of the virus.  “It’s not too late to get a flu vaccine — as long as flu is spreading vaccination should continue,” the CDC’s Kristen Nordlund told weather.com. “It’s important to know that it takes about two weeks for protection to set in.”

*This is not to say you should or should not get the flu shot.  You should, however, do some research, and know the risks, side effects, and possible complications down the line should you chose to get or not get this year’s flu shot. This should help you come to the right conclusion for yourself.

Flu Outbreak: Deadly Influenza Virus Ravages Oregon And Idaho

Oregon is one of 36 states nationwide reporting high levels of a flu outbreak, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control. More than 120 Oregonians have been hospitalized for the flu in the week leading up to Christmas.

“It’s just one of those years where the CDC is seeing that this strain of flu is only somewhat covered by the vaccine,” Jennifer Radtke, manager for infection prevention at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, told USA Today. Although “somewhat covered” is a bit of a stretch considering the vaccine is only about 10% effective this year. “They’re seeing that it’s anywhere from 10 to 33 percent effective, so anytime there’s a mismatch between the vaccine and the circulating strain of the flu, you’re going to see more cases.”

Ann Thomas, a public health physician for the Oregon Health Authority, said the flu virus mutates so quickly, it’s a “roll of the dice each year.” Some mutations or subtypes, such as H3N2, are more dangerous, especially for people over the age of 65. And even though the vaccine is ineffective, government agents and health officials recommend getting the flu shot.

Last year was Oregon’s worst year on record for the number of hospitalizations, she said. This year appears to be on the same track. As of December 29, 335 cases of influenza-related hospitalizations in the Portland tri-county area alone were reported by the state for the 2017-18 season, Thomas said.

Salem Health’s Infection Prevention Manager Julie Koch said about 25 percent of patients in the region tested for flu showed positive. Koch said they are seeing both of flu types A and B this year. Both are “protected” against in this year’s shot, as well as flu A(H3), which seems to be predominant at this time.

But there is evidence to suggest that the flu shot actually increases the chance of getting sick.

So should you get the shot?  Doctors and the government will tell you that you still need to be vaccinated against the flu every year. But Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, says that getting an annual flu shot is “all a big lie from the vaccine industry.”

Washington state has reported 20 lab-confirmed influenza-related deaths for the 2017-2018 season, as of December 23, and Idaho has seen more flu-related deaths at this point in the season than at the same time in the previous seven seasons. Every year, influenza contributes to an estimated 36,000 deaths in the United States, along with more than 200,000 hospitalizations.

5 Kitchen Cures For A Painful Sore Throat

Flu season is upon us, and a sore throat is one of the most common symptoms you might experience. A sore throat can be painful — and contribute to your misery during a sickness. Fortunately, there are dozens of kitchen remedies you can try to soothe your inflamed throat.

1. Honey

The first way to soothe your sore throat is to incorporate honey into your day. Honey is a traditional remedy for soothing throats. While all honeys are beneficial, manuka tends to be the most revered choice. Honey is antiviral and antibacterial, making it a great choice. Honey is also a wound healer. You can use it on wounds anywhere, which contributes to its effectiveness against sore throats.

You can use honey several ways. The first is just eating a tablespoon of honey, without anything else. The only deterrent here is the texture. You can mix honey with a delicious cup of herbal tea. Make sure you are taking honey frequently, ideally every hour.

Fast, All-Natural Pain Relief With No Nasty Side Effects!

Honey is a great choice for kids. Please always remember that honey is not safe for kids under the age of one year old. However, if your kids are old enough to consume honey, many parents believe it is just as effective as cough suppressants.

2. Salt Water

Gargling salt water can elevate some of the pain associated with a sore throat. While the taste might be unappealing, you can’t argue with evidence. Gargling salt water every hour will get rid of your sore throat in no time. Salt water also helps to kill bacteria in your throat and break down secretions.

To properly use this method, mix a half teaspoon of salt into a full glass of warm water. Gargle for as long as you want. Best of all, chances are you already have salt in your kitchen cupboard, so you don’t need to run out for special ingredients.

3. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is known for its calming and soothing effects. Aside from aiding sleeping problems, chamomile can also soothe your sore throat. Chamomile contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties, making it a great choice.

To use chamomile to soothe your pain, there are a few methods. First, you can try inhaling chamomile steam. Many people create a tent with a towel over a pot of hot water. You can add some drops of chamomile essential oil or dried herbs.

Another choice that tends to be the most popular is drinking chamomile tea. You can purchase pre-made chamomile tea bags in the store or make your own at home with homegrown herbs. Best of all, it will also help to boost your immune system to fight off whatever is causing the sore throat.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Chances are you think that there is no way you will drink ACV. It seems so uncomfortable. However, ACV is known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that make it an ideal choice to fight your sore throat. Also, the higher content of acid will help to break down the mucus leading to a sore throat and stop any bacteria from spreading.

Don’t worry; you don’t need to drink a glass of plain ACV. Instead, try diluting one to two tablespoons in a cup of water. Then, gargle it. Also, you can sip on warm water, ACV and honey. Together, they will pack a punch. Do this at least once an hour.

5. Garlic

No, you don’t need to eat a plain clove of garlic. Garlic has amazing antibacterial properties that will fight off infections. For example, it is one of the best treatments for a yeast infection.

So, to use garlic to soothe your sore throat, try taking a garlic supplement throughout the day. It is a good idea to include a garlic supplement all the time to reduce the risk of catching a virus. Add some garlic to your lunch and dinner today.

Your grandmother might have mentioned sucking on a clove of garlic to soothe your throat. Yes, this can be an effective treatment. However, make sure you brush your teeth very well afterward if you want to be close to your loved ones and friends.

What is your favorite method for soothing an irritated throat? Let us know in the section below:

Severe Flu Alert: Young Mother Dies Of Flu, Vaccine Is Only 10% Effective

As health officials warn that this year’s flu season could be one of the worst we’ve seen in recent history, they also have stated the vaccine is less than 10% effective.

In just a matter of days after contracting the flu, a young mother died from the disease. Alani Murrieta became sick and was diagnosed with the flu only one week ago. The 20-year-old mother of two was given some medicine and sent home to recover. One day later, she was diagnosed with pneumonia and tragically, just hours later she died. Her family says the young mother was perfectly healthy and hardly ever got sick while the CDC is reporting three states  (Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina) with high levels of flu activity, and numbers of new flu cases continue rising every week.

The vaccine that the health officials are pushing on people is only 10% effective against this year’s probable troublsome flu strain too. According to the World Health Organization, the United States typically sees 140,000 to 710,000 influenza-related hospitalizations and 12,000 to 56,000 deaths each year. The very young, very old, and people with existing medical conditions are most at risk.

According to Quartz, the annual flu vaccine development process begins several months before each flu season. When developing a new vaccine, researchers meet at the World Health Organization to identify the strains of the influenza virus they think will infect people in the northern hemisphere. Their findings are based on what made people sick in the southern hemisphere’s most recent flu season. This approach usually still provides mediocre protection (40% to 60%) from the flu.

But it’s a compounding problem because so many are getting vaccinated without understanding what’s in the vaccine, or that their risks of contracting the flu in later years are higher than those who have never been vaccinated. It is, however, very easy to follow the money trail:

With all the evidence pointing toward not getting the shot this year, government agencies and most doctors still suggest that everyone get the flu shot – even though it’s effectiveness isn’t even worth mentioning and the toxic ingredients do more harm to the body than good.

Make sure to be well-informed when making decesions for yourself or your family when it comes to the flu and this year’s vaccine.