Experts warn more cases may still peak between January and February as temperature goes even lower. Though the nasal spray is off the table, he says there’s more options than ever before to protect yourself against H3N2.
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Local physicians have confirmed influenza is back in the valley and the number of cases of people infected with this seasons viral infection is growing, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department.
“What we’re seeing is seasonal epidemic of the flu. this season’s activity is not any more intense than other typical seasons”, Harrod said.
Experts believe this year the flu shot is a better match for the strain now in circulation.
The main flu strain circulating this season is influenza A (H3N2).
Harrod said the flu each year tends to hit northern Alabama counties first. The shot is $30 for adults and free for people younger than 19.
On the plus side, some of the prevention measures for the virus are the same [as influenza], Hanson said.
“It’s winter time and we are in close quarters, and everyone is touching the same things, so it’s being passed back and forth easily”, Manier said. Since the flu virus can spread through coughing or sneezing, it is also important that family members and people who regularly come into contact with children, older adults, and other individuals at higher risk get a flu shot. “If staff aren’t vaccinated, you can have outbreaks, and that’s very problematic”, said Dr Kelleher.
A lot of people are getting sick as we enter 2017..
In the Tacoma area, health officials say Pierce County had three flu-related deaths last week, following another death on December 19.
“It’s still not too late to get vaccinated”, Harrod said.
– Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Currently, anyone showing flu-like symptoms must wear a mask when you enter Providence St. Peter.
– Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handle, telephone and faucets.
Regarding the popular Tamiflu, the doctor says it is an effective drug and is not a cure, but it can reduce the duration of illness if taken immediately after the onset of symptoms and can act as a prophylactic if taken immediately after an exposure. Most with the virus recover within a few days to a few weeks.
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“Fundamentally we’ve still got this major issue of a resistance to flu vaccine in healthcare workers”.
