This year the flu outbreak is the worst it has been in years. It has swept nearly every corner of the country.

According to CNN, this is the first time that the flu has been at the same severity for the entire continental US. The total number of lab-reported cases for the season is up to 60,161, which does not include unreported cases of those who do not go to the doctor.

As of January 19^th there have been 120 deaths nationwide caused by the flu. The majority are pediatric or elderly cases. Children younger than give and adults between the ages of 50-64 have the highest chances of hospitalization.

The specific strand of influenza going around this year is H3N2, which is known for lowering vaccination effectiveness. CNN reports that this season’s effectiveness is only around 10-30%.

According to Health Services Clinical Assistant Autumn Roy, this is the most violent flu season Williston has experienced in her five years working at the school’s Health Center.

“So far we have had six confirmed cases of the flu of the students we have seen. There have also been multiple day students who tested positive at their own Doctor’s offices. We have also had a few kids who we didn’t even bother to test for the virus because their symptoms were so obvious.”

So what are the warning signs? Nurse Claire Saphire of Health Services gave her insight to this flu season.

“For this flu, symptoms include a moderate to high fever between 100.5 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Students will likely experience a cough accompanied by mucus, headaches, chills, body aches, and overall malaise.”

Ms. Saphire said that symptoms can last anywhere between seven and 14 days. “While the flu shot does not prevent the flu, it tends to lessen the severity of the virus. Those who have been vaccinated are sicker for a shorter amount of time with more manageable symptoms.”

This year’s flu is being spread in the smallest ways. A new case study has shown that this strand has been spread from person to person by simply breathing. This contradicts the preexisting theory that the most dangerous exposure comes from sneezing.

The Telegraph states what the results of this study revealed. “A groundbreaking experiment on flu patients in the US revealed the virus’s capacity to aerosolize and linger in the atmosphere is significantly greater than previously thought.”

The virus is highly contagious, especially during the first 48 hours in which symptoms appear. “The analysis of 142 flu patients found they were more likely to deposit the virus into the air around them during the early stage of their infection,” The Telegraph added.

So what does this mean for Williston students? During the winter months, students are inside for the most part which means the spread of germs is inevitable. Multiple viruses have been spreading this season, including the flu.

So what can you do to prevent the flu? Williston Health Services sent out an email to the student and faculty body, advising what community members should do to stay healthy.

“Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water can help decrease the risk,” she said. “Cough hygiene (coughing into your elbow) and not sharing food or drinks can also help decrease the risk.” Nurse Saphire also recommends drinking lots of fluids, getting rest, eating healthy, and keeping your space clean as well as washing clothing and bedding.

The Health Center closed its email by suggesting what to do if you or someone you know may have the flu.

“If you or someone that you know start experiencing signs or symptoms similar to these, please either come to Health and Wellness Services or stay home if a day student.”