The 2017-18 flu season is the worst in years

Experts are expecting this year's flu season to be the worst in years (since the 2014-2015 flu season) and have seen widespread activity in 46 states so far. The strain that is most prevalent this year is Flu Type A (H3N2), which is tough to fight.

Make sure you are prepared to prevent and treat the symptoms of the flu. The CDC recommends hand washing and disinfecting spots that are touched frequently as a good means to prevent the spread of the flu.

Symptoms of the flu include: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, runny or stuffy nose, headache, and fatigue. If you have these symptoms, your doctor can do a quick swab test in the office to determine if you are positive for the flu. If positive, they may prescribe Tamiflu depending on when your symptoms began (read more on Tamiflu here).

It is also never too late the receive the flu shot. Though it isn't always 100% effective, it helps to reduce hospitalizations and can make the flu milder if it is caught.

For those with diabetes, this article may be helpful in helping you manage your condition during the illness.

Also be aware of the after effects of the flu, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

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