Having the flu has always been an unwanted experience, however this flu season is shaping up to be one of the worst in years. The 2012-2013 flu season got off to an early start, and many say it’s only going to get worse as peak flu season nears.
“As we moved into the end of December and January, activity really picked up in a lot more states,” said Tom Skinner, a spokesman for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Many states are in a state of emergency as they attempt to cope with rising numbers. In Boston officials are working to set up free flu-vaccines; at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township, Pa., a tent was set up outside the emergency department because the medical center is struggling with a growing number of flu cases; and in Chicago, Northwestern Memorial Hospital has recorded a 20 percent increase in flu patients every day.
Indiana is also one of 29 states reporting high levels of flu-like illnesses. At Recorder press time, the Indiana Department of Health said 21 deaths have been reported since November; two deaths occurred in individuals under 18. By comparison, no influenza-related deaths had been reported at this time last year.
In Marion County hospitals, the number of emergency department visits for flu-like symptoms went down slightly in early January.
The slight decline is attributed to fewer pediatric visits. Adult visits in the 18-64 age group, however, continue to increase.
The CDC says a flu shot is the first and most important step to protecting one’s self against the flu. If people aren’t vaccinated early on in the season, flu can spread easily.
“It is absolutely not too late to become vaccinated. If you have not been vaccinated this year, I encourage you to get vaccinated now to protect you and your family,” said State Health Commissioner Gregory Larkin, M.D.
The MCPHD has flu vaccine available at its district health offices for anyone interested in receiving a low-cost flu shot.
Dr. Virginian Caine, director of the MCPHD and an infectious disease physician said cases of H1N1 and Influenza B have been reported, but the H3N2 strain appears to be dominant.
“We’ve actually seen H3N2 before in 2003, 2004. But it’s come back and in a much more virulent way,” said Caine. “The last time we had a virus this strong, nationwide we had 70,000 deaths. On average, we usually have 35,000 deaths.”
Flu vaccination is recommended for anyone 6 months of age or older. It is especially important for those at higher risk of complications related to the flu to become vaccinated. High-risk individuals include pregnant women; young children; people with chronic illnesses such as asthma, lung disease or heart disease; those who have compromised immune systems such as HIV or cancer patients; those who are morbidly obese; and the elderly. Those who live with or care for others who are at high risk of developing serious complications should also get vaccinated.
Anyone who is currently experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms should contact their health care provider, even if they have been vaccinated. Symptoms of the flu include: Fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater; headache; a runny or stuffy nose; fatigue; cough; muscle aches; and sore throat. Some people have vomiting or diarrhea, but these symptoms are more common in children than adults.
Cain said Hoosiers should note, people can actually be contagious one day prior to developing symptoms. They are contagious up to five to seven days after becoming sick; young children and those with a weakened immune system can remain contagious longer. This is why vaccination is so critical.
Flu viruses are spread primarily through respiratory droplets so one can get the flu from talking with someone who is infected or being exposed to flu droplets in the air due to uncovered coughing or sneezing. People can also become ill by touching a surface that has the flu virus on it then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
In addition to immunizations, simple precautions such as frequent and thorough hand washing and staying home when feeling sick can help ease the spread of the flu.
Although Marion County pediatric visits are down, Caine says the number of flu cases could increase, especially among children, now that schools are back in session.
John Althardt, director of school and community relations for Indianapolis Public Schools, and Dennis Jarrett, director of media and community relations, MSD of Warren Township said at Recorder press time, neither district has seen any abnormal absenteeism patterns for students or teachers as a result of the flu. They are reminding students to wash their hands, making hand sanitizer available, monitoring students for signs they may be ill and asking parents with ill children to keep them at home.
Employers are encouraged to willingly allow ill employees to stay home.
The 2012-2013 flu season is already at epidemic proportions, however health officials are bracing for it to get worse.
“The worst activity you’re going to see is in January and February. We don’t think we’ve seen the peak yet – it usually curves in late January and the early part of February. Based on the number of cases, it’s expected to get worse,” said Caine.
For more information, visit StateHealth.in.gov; call the Flu Hotline at (317) 221-2121; or visit MCHD.com.
Stop the spread of flu
• Clean. Properly wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water.
• Cover. Cover your cough and sneeze with your arm or a disposable tissue.
• Contain. Stay home from school/work when you are sick to keep your germs from spreading.
MyVaxIndiana
Hoosiers can access their immunization records through MyVaxIndiana, a user friendly website which allows parents and other individuals to connect with their immunization records from any computer through the use of a personal identification number (PIN). PINs can be obtained from health care providers and used to log in to the secure website, where users can then download, print or fax records. Each record also displays the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended immunization schedule. To learn more, visit MyVaxIndiana.in.gov.
