This year's cough, cold, and flu season could be the worst in 4 years, with more than 250 million Americans expected to suffer from upper respiratory ailments, according to medical experts.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that millions of people in the United States - about 10% to 20% of U.S. residents - may be diagnosed with influenza this year. The organization adds that each year, an average of about 114,000 Americans have to be admitted to the hospital as a result of influenza.

According to the CDC, "Anyone can get the flu (even healthy people), and serious problems from influenza can happen at any age. People age 65 years and older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions, and very young children are more likely to experience complications from influenza."

Health care authorities say that while many Americans wait for symptoms to appear before taking action, there are proactive steps they can follow to help keep sickness at bay. According to Linda Hotz of Kaz, Inc., which markets home health care products under the Vicks brand, "Running a humidifier during the winter months simply makes good common sense.

"The respiratory system is designed to resist bacteria and viruses, but it only works properly when adequately moisturized. If indoor air is dry, the body is more likely to catch airborne diseases, such as the common cold and influenza. This not only weakens your body's natural defenses, but can also cause uncomfortably dry noses, throats, eyes and skin."

Gerald Kress, chief executive officer of Surveillance Data Inc. (SDI), a global research firm that tracks flu, cold, and respiratory illness activity, says, "We anticipate seeing a higher number of people with cold and flu-like symptoms this season - and on top of that, the symptoms could be more severe than last season." Kress points to SDI's latest FAN numbers, which monitor weekly illness activity.

"The most recent figures released (10-17-2003) are already higher than they were last year for the same time period, and that trend is expected to continue through the first quarter of 2004," he explains.

Since the last three cold and influenza cycles have been relatively mild, health experts are concerned that consumers may ignore the early warning signs of influenza, dismissing them as a bad cold.

Kaz, Inc., a global authority on coughs and colds for over 75 years, markets humidifiers and thermometers under the Vicks brand. This article was prepared by Health & Medicine Week editors from staff and other reports.

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