digestVidSign in
summary

IntermtnMedCtr - Utah Flu Season Watch

Thumbnail of the video “IntermtnMedCtr - Utah Flu Season Watch”
Community upload. AI output has not been independently verified.
Author: IntermtnMedCtr
Categories: Health Real Estate
Tags: health, real-estate
Views: 2 · Last viewed: 2026-10-16 19:43 UTC

Short Summary

Main recommendation: Get the flu shot even though the season is already underway, practice good handwashing, cover coughs, and stay home when sick. Dr. Dave Barnes of Intermountain Medical Center's emergency department says this year's flu season is hitting hard, with a definite uptick over the past three weeks and some very sick patients in the emergency department.

Key Points

  • The flu shot is still recommended now, especially for the elderly and young children, who are more susceptible to severe illness.
  • Flu viruses change each year; this season has a new strain causing problems, while last season was comparatively mild.
  • Most people can treat flu symptoms at home, but trouble breathing or symptoms lasting beyond three or four days warrant medical care.
  • Staying home when sick is important so illness does not spread to others.
  • Intermountain's live flu-tracking map by county is available at germwatch.org.

Details Worth Noting

  • Concrete instructions:
    • Get the flu shot now, even though the season has already started.
    • Wash hands well and cover coughs.
    • For home treatment, use Tylenol or Ibuprofen for fever, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest.
    • Stay home from work or school when sick rather than pushing through.
    • Seek care (emergency department, your doctor, or InstaCare) if symptoms last longer than about three to four days or if there are signs of trouble breathing.
    • To track flu activity, check germwatch.org for the county map, or download the Intermountain Healthcare / Intermountain Health Hub app, which links to GermWatch.
  • The data on GermWatch comes from tests run at Intermountain hospitals and clinics and is updated live.
  • Classic flu symptoms described are rapid onset of high fever, coughing, body aches, and muscle strains.
  • Dr. Barnes estimated the season will last a few more weeks, but the duration is uncertain.

Bottom Line

Vaccination is still worth getting this late in the season, and tracking local flu activity through GermWatch can help you judge how severe things are in your area.