Like a winter storm, flu season is upon us.
The flu appears to be the worst in four years in California, according to early data from the Centers for Disease Control. The 2012-13 flu season in California has reached a moderate-to-high level, the most severe since a huge spike in flu activity was reported in late fall of 2009.
In the San Fransisco Bay Area, flu activity is moderate around San Fransisco and San Jose, and low in the East Bay, according to the CDC. That's much better than areas of the South and Northeast, where flu activity is high or even intense.
But the flu likes to travel via planes and trains during the holiday season, so prepare yourself. We asked Patch readers via Facebook to share their best advice.
The No. 1 suggestion from Patch Facebook fans was to get a flu shot. That's what experts recommend as well and, earlier this month, more than one-third of U.S. residents had received the influenza vaccine.
But if you aren't in that vaccinated group or you—heaven forbid—are but get sick anyway, here are some tips to stay healthy and beat the flu bug fast.
A reader in Pacifica suggested "Extra vit D, probiotics, organic apple cider vinegar, super foods...always good to boost your immune system naturally."
Rex, from Menlo Park-Altheron Patch, recommended green juice and lots of water.
Rhonda, a Palo Alto Patch reader, said she got a bug last week. Staying home to rest helped her feel better.
Kelli, a Redwood City-Woodside Patch reader, said she's getting a lot of sleep and remembering to wash her hands often.
Vicks, the cold and cough medicine producer, has lots of information about the illness on its website. Learn about the cycle of a cold or how differentiate between symptoms of a cold, the flu and allergies.
What about you all in Los Gatos? Tell us in comments: how do you stay healthy during flu season? Got any advice on how to speed up recovery if you do get sick, like a great chicken noodle soup recipe or immune-boosting tea?
