HARLINGEN — As flu season reaches its peak, the Rio Grande Valley was listed as the area with the highest flu rate in the nation for the week of Jan. 31, according to the Walgreen’s Flu Index.
The index illustrates the areas experiencing the highest rates but does not show the severity of the sickness and is based on the consumption of retailed prescription medications.
Though the Valley is the area with the highest flu index, Texas as a whole ranks third in the nation, after Arizona and Nevada.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests these methods to prevent and minimize chances of getting the flu this season.
– Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
– Stay home when you are sick to prevent the spreading of illnesses.
– Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
– Clean your hands to protect yourself and others from germs.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
– Practice other good health habits like getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing your stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious foods.
For more information on preventing the flu, visit cdc.gov.
