New flu cases in central NY more than doubled in the week that ended on January 27. “We seem to be seeing more of that maybe this year than we have in years past”. The main objective is to reduce the number of severe flu illnesses that require hospitalization.
Advertisement
“This season continues to surprise us”, Haselow said. While federal health officials hinted several weeks ago that this year’s outbreak might be reaching its peak, infection rates still were rising as of late last week.
The elderly in particular have been at risk from this year’s influenza A, which is dominated by an H3 strain.
The H2N3 is the influenza strain that caused the most of the problems this season.
A total of 518 flu-associated hospitalizations were reported by 49 hospitals this season, with in the past week.
Meantime, he said, hand-washing is the best thing people can do to prevent catching or spreading the flu. Howard County, which is part of the West Texas Division, alone saw 3,700 positive flu tests last week.
The eight women and four men who died this season ranged in age from the 40s to 90s, with most at the older end. When a different strain dominates, the younger population often suffers more.
And in Aurora, Illinois, a Catholic school is closed for the rest of the week due to the flu, according to ABC station WLS. Despite these numbers, this year is shaping up to be a harsh one for flu recipients.
“We have 26 [percent] of the student population out today with more sick children going home as the day has progressed”, Holy Angels Catholic School posted on Facebook. The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness. Thus far in Week 5, 73 counties reported influenza cases. “The majority of healthy children who have a mild course of disease do not need to go to see the doctor, and they do not need to go to the hospital or the emergency room”.
“Typically, we’ll have very high activity for maybe a couple of weeks”.
State observers consider flu activity high and widespread throughout Maryland. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people age 6 months and older to get a flu shot every year.
Advertisement
“Some private providers don’t still have vaccines on hand, but the health departments all do”, said Frankovich. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
