As is expected, flu season has a huge impact on the health of many people nationwide and can lead to many deaths. This year's dominating strain -- H3N2 -- has left people much more vulnerable to experiencing serious complications since it is said to be much much more harmful than other strains. Children younger than five and the elderly are at the greatest risk since their immune system is more easily compromised, but it is still critical to keep watch on all of your loved ones, in order to ensure that they still look and feel healthy during this season.

Public health officials are constantly reminding people to take all of the necessary precautions to avoid contracting the influenza virus and to avoid spreading it if they do fall victim to it. However, although much is done to educate the public about the virus, the flu does not take pity on whether or not one adheres to the recommended guidelines if one comes into contact with a contaminated individual or object.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this year's seasonal widespread outbreak, in particular, has already affected Puerto Rico and 49 states.

Additionally, the LA Times has announced that 36 people of all ages have died in Los Angeles County and 91 people in San Diego County thus far. Out of the pediatric population, at least 20 children have died because of the flu as well, and the numbers listed are just of what has been reported.

As the number of those falling ill to the virus continues to rise, naturally, so does the demand for hospital care. Numerous media sources have reported that emergency rooms have become so crowded that hospital staffs are pitching tents just outside of medical buildings in order to increase space available to attend to the many flu patients. Some hospitals and pharmacies are said to be quickly running out of anti-viral medications that would help ease the severity of the flu symptoms and are thus finding themselves with a higher need of a constant supply on a daily basis.

Although February is the month where flu season is expected to peak, the alarming number of those already affected by the virus and how it has already overwhelmed the resources of medical professionals is increasingly causing concern. I have overheard conversations on how, as a way to avoid inconveniencing doctors, people are refraining from seeking medical help for what they believe to be a cold — but could be the flu — because they feel as though their symptoms are still bearable.

If you have not already, check out the CDC website to learn more about the flu virus and the emergency warning signs and complications associated with it. Seek medical help if you or someone you know is concerned about their current state of health, and feel as though the symptoms warrant a trip to the emergency room. As listed on the website, some of the common flu symptoms to be wary of are as follows:

- Fever/feeling feverish or chilly

- Fatigue

- Sore throat

- Cough

- Runny or stuffy nose

- Muscle or body aches

- Headaches

These symptoms may seem to mirror the exact same ones for the common cold (because they do), but keep in mind that if you have the flu, your symptoms are expected to be more serious and severe, and leave you at a greater risk of developing further problems ranging from mild to severe, such as sinus infections, pneumonia and extreme inflammation in many vital organ tissues. Symptoms of chest pressure, persistent vomiting, and unexplained shortness of breath are just some of the severe warning signs that should lead you to visit the ER.

Stay protected and help keep others healthy by ensuring that you are taking all of the necessary precautions when interacting with others. Wash your hands before and after eating, avoid handshaking, disinfect areas — especially those that are most touched —, cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and of course, limit your exposure to people if you become sick or if there are those who are sick around you.

The flu is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly so do what you can to ensure you're staying healthy and not another person affected by it. Remember to stay hydrated, fuel your body with essential nutrients, sleep well, and stay active!