Health Officials Say Flu is Bigger Risk Than Ebola

The State Epidemiologist says Mississippi hospitals are set to handle any cases of Ebola should they appear, but health officials say the public should be more focused on their risk for the flu, which kills about 36,000 people each year.

In Mississippi, the flu season has officially begun. The first confirmed case is in a Marshall County teenager. It’s official. The flu season in here, and this year, with another complication that could cause confusion among the public.

Health officials are expecting the best, but preparing for the worst. Dr. Wendy Williams of Coastal Family Pediatric says, "I’m hoping for a good season. The C.D.C. tells us a lot of the strains are the same as last year’s, so hopefully this season will be rather mild."

Ebola and the flu have similar symptoms in the early stages, which officials say may lead to a number of false reports of people with the flu thinking they have Ebola. Dr. Williams also says, "They are similar to the Ebola, but not anything compared to what Ebola would bring."

The Ebola virus is getting all the media attention right now, but the flu is much more common and much more threatening to the general public. It’s also completely preventable by getting a vaccination. Officials on the Coast say the flu is much more likely and in many cases, much more dangerous.

The flu vaccine is proven to reduce the chances of severe infection, but many myths prevent people from getting it, including the idea that the flu shot actually gives you the flu. Dr. Williams also says, "It makes your body mount an immune response as if you had the flu, so you may feel a little yucky, may get a fever for a day or two, but that just means that you work and you’re ready for the onslaught if you do get exposed the flu virus."

Medical professionals have some tips for preventing the spread of any infectious disease. Ramona Lee Mayer, Practice Manager at Coastal Family Health Center, closes, "If you suspect you have the flu, isolate yourself, stay out of crowds, practice good hygiene, wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and again, wash your hands, and if you think you have the flu, stay home."