The flu season’s not over — so people are reaching for this household item
It’s one scary flu season.
And it’s not over yet, according to Dr. Anne Schuchat, acting director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Influenza (flu) is a serious disease that causes hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths in the U.S. each year. Here’s what to do if you or a loved one becomes sick with #flu this season: https://t.co/CwdNHdnF0M
— Dr. Anne Schuchat (@CDCDirector) January 23, 2018
“We may be on track to break some recent records,” she told reporters on a conference call.
According to the CDC’s weekly surveillance report, there were 14,094 new confirmed cases ending Feb. 3, bringing the season total of reported illness to 151,983.
Schuchat added that she could not predict how much longer this deadly season, which started in December, would last. The CDC only counts flu deaths in children; there have been 63 thus far.
To arm yourself, getting immunized and washing your hands religiously are key, as is taking care of yourself.
Vitamin C has been a common household remedy for colds and some people thinks the proven immune system booster can help ward off the flu.
Good news for orange farmers, who have been struggling in recent years. Between 2001–02 and 2016–17, the Nielsen-measured retail U.S. orange juice market declined by 50 percent, Florida orange production declined by 70 percent and retail orange juice prices increased by 53 percent, according to Citrus Industry News.
The Wall Street Journal reports that OJ sales have skyrocketed, rising from 0.9 percent to 38.66 million gallons, in the four weeks ending Jan. 20.
WebMD.com reports that if you go this route, the more pulp the better.
This story was originally published February 9, 2018 at 3:26 PM with the headline "The flu season’s not over — so people are reaching for this household item."