The flu virus leads to nearly 40 million flu-related illnesses each year even though it is one of the most preventable diseases. Proactive prevention of the flu virus ensures that you and the rest of your family members are able to have a healthy, happy, and safe lifestyle this fall!

A big part of preventing the flu virus is knowing how, and where, the flu virus is likely to spread. For example, certain environments can cause the flu virus to spread and pass from patients more rapidly. This happens most commonly within contained spaces. The flu is more likely to pass through direct contact, such as touching hands with an infected patient, or through airborne transmission.

Schools for younger children have some of the highest flu activity each season

Younger children between the ages of 6-12 usually have the highest incidences of flu activity and infection than other schools. Young children are still learning hygiene basics, which allows the flu to quickly grow and spread within classrooms. Additionally, young children have developing immune systems that are still susceptible to most flu-related illnesses.

Teachers, school staff, and school nurses do their best to teach children hygiene basics in order to stave off a new flu outbreak. But sometimes, schools will organize special events to help prevent the flu, even as the flu has likely taken its effect on most of the school.

Schools with older children, like middle and high school, can also lead to high flu activity since they are indoors for most of the day during peak flu season.

Offices and shared workplaces also drive flu activity significantly

An office setting or a workplace can also breed flu epidemics and outbreaks if employees don’t stay at home with the flu.

An employee that is sick may continue to come into work, which allows the flu virus to spread across the office towards healthy, uninfected employees. When this happens, the flu can begin to spread at a faster rate.

The flu is attributed to massive setbacks in production and workforce participation since many employees may not be sure if the flu is going around at their office.

Remember to get a flu shot to stay safe in flu-heavy environments!

As a friendly reminder, Centennial Medical and other affiliate medical providers offer effective flu shots for patients that are fast, affordable, and accessible flu shots any day of the week!

Simply call in advance or get directions to get your flu shot ASAP! Our walk-in clinic allows patients to get their shots without an appointment.