Influenza season has begun and this year’s flu season may be more severe. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a Health Advisory related to the current circulating influenza strain. Influenza A or H3N2 has been reported as the most frequent strain. Historically, it is known to cause increased hospitalization and death in very young children, the elderly, and individuals that have chronic medical conditions. The Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene is also observing this pattern. This year’s vaccine has a component of H3N2, but since production of the flu vaccine, there has been increased evidence that the H3N2 virus is changing. It is not uncommon for a virus to change. Over half of the viruses tested to date show a genetic mutation. Therefore, the vaccine is currently not a perfect match for all of the H3N2 viruses.
CDC continues to encourage all individuals over the age of six months to receive the influenza vaccine if not currently vaccinated. The vaccine will still protect against the unchanged strain of H3N2 viruses, as well as 2 or 3 additional influenza strains, depending on which immunization is received. It is also believed that there will be some cross-protection for the genetically different H3N2 virus which may help to decrease the severity should an individual become infected with this changed strain.
Medical officials urge you to protect yourself and others. Families are encouraged to speak with their child’s primary care provider to determine which immunization is age appropriate. If you are at risk for complications from influenza, contact your doctor right away if you develop a sudden onset of fever, chills, cough, sore throat, headache and/ or body aches.
The Adams County Public Health Department, Mile Bluff Medical Center and the CDC have several tips to help you prevent spreading the flu:
- Getting an influenza vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against the virus.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
- Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to prevent the spread of germs. If you need to sneeze or cough, do so into a tissue or into your upper sleeve or elbow, not in your hands.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.
- If you do come down with influenza, remember that there are antiviral drugs that may make your illness milder and help you feel better faster. The medicine needs to be started within 48 hours of when your symptoms first began.
For questions about influenza, the influenza vaccine, or how it may affect you, please contact your doctor for additional information.