Each year on November 1, the world observes World Flu Day. First established in 2018 in Shenzhen, China, it marks the centenary of the 1918 influenza pandemic. The goal is clear: raise awareness, encourage vaccination, and drive research toward stronger flu prevention. According to the CDC, the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.
The impact of flu in the U.S. varies from season to season, but in the 2023-2024 flu season, there were an estimated 40 million cases. These cases resulted in around 470,000 hospitalizations. During the 2023-2024 flu season, around 28,000 people in the U.S. lost their lives due to the flu.
The most effective way to prevent the flu is to receive an annual vaccination at the beginning of flu season. Flu vaccines are safe and can greatly reduce the burden of the disease. During the 2022-2023 flu season, vaccinations prevented around 2,479 deaths among those aged 65 years and older.
Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all these symptoms including fever/chills, cough, sore throat runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue (tiredness) and some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. Since fever is one of the symptoms it is important to have a reliable thermometer handy to take regular temperature checks.
Exergen’s award winning FDA and CE approved Temporal Artery Thermometers, have long been the choice of nurses and pediatricians in the U.S. They are clinically accurate and easy to use, these thermometers are non-invasive, cost-efficient, and improve productivity in busy healthcare settings. Exergen is dedicated to giving professionals and families tools that support better outcomes.
The TempoTherm and TAT-2000C designed for the consumer require a simple swipe across the forehead by gently touching it to get quick and accurate reading. This patented technology measures heat from the temporal artery while adjusting for ambient temperature. The result is precision without compromising comfort.
World Flu Day is a reminder of the vital role fever detection plays in flu management. Fever is often the first sign of influenza, and regular temperature checks are essential for early detection.
Sources:
- National Library of Science, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7138058/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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