ATLANTA – The CDC announces a warning of high levels of flu-like illnesses are massively increasing across the United States.

Release:

High levels of flu-like illnesses were reported last week in 17 states according to the CDC and are expected to increase across the country due to holiday travel and colder temperatures.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning that respiratory illnesses are on the rise.
Health officials recommend vaccinations and masks to help prevent getting sick.

The CDC suggests taking everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs:

Take everyday preventive actions that are recommended to reduce the spread of flu.
– Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
– If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

Cover coughs and sneezes.
– Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

– Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
– Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses that cause flu.
– For flu, CDC recommends that people stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Fever should be gone without the need to use a fever-reducing medicine.

Note that the stay-at-home guidance for COVID-19 may be different.

Learn about some of the similarities and differences between flu and COVID-19.