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Alaska is among 41 states in the country reporting widespread flu activity this season.
The early arrival of the flu cases is leading experts to believe that this winter’s flu season could be severe and long-lasting. This year's popular strain, the H3N2 virus, tends to coincide with those severe years according to Dr. Brian Yablon, an epidemiologist with the state Department of Health and Social Services.
Yablon says people should be extra-hygenic this season and stay home if they experience flu symptoms. Staying hydrated is important for those who come down with the flu, but some people have trouble doing so.
“People who are really more at risk for that or young children, they just have less reserve in general with their hydration and their breathing,” Yablon said. “But if you are not keeping fluids down then you need to get in and get evaluated, because dehydration is also very dangerous and can also be -- can cause severe illness and death.”
Yablon said the good news is that if you haven't experienced the flu yet, it's not too late to get a flu shot.
Contact Reba Lean