Flu Season Starts Early; Health Officials Encourage Flu Prevention Measures

(Salisbury, MD) Influenza (flu) season in the United States is having its earliest start in nearly a decade and according to officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this season could be a bad one. Although flu is unpredictable, the early nature of the cases and the predominant type circulating this year, H3N2, could make it a severe flu season.

“It’s not too late to get your flu shot,” says Lori Brewster, Health Officer for Wicomico County. “While it may take up to two weeks for the vaccine to become effective, health officials with the CDC are predicting the flu season to go into the spring. A flu vaccine reduces your risk of illness, hospitalization, or even death and can prevent you from spreading the virus to your loved ones.”
Everyone, 6 months of age and older, is recommended to get vaccinated. Some children 6 months to 8 years of age may need 2 doses of the vaccine to be fully protected. Flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies and college health centers, as well as by many employers, and even in some schools. 

“Protect yourself and your family from the flu: get vaccinated,” says Brewster.

On average, about 25, 000 Americans die each flu season, according the CDC. Flu usually peaks in midwinter. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, head and body aches, and fatigue. Some people suffer vomiting and diarrhea, and some develop pneumonia or other severe complications.

Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Flu viruses also may spread when people touch something with flu virus on it and then touch their mouth, eyes, or nose. People infected with flu may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to spread the flu to someone else before you know you are sick as well as while you are sick. Young children, those who are severely ill, and those who have severely weakened immune systems may be able to infect others for longer than 5-7 days.

The CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting influenza (flu). The first and most important step is to get a flu vaccination each year. But if you get the flu, there are prescription antiviral drugs that can treat your illness. Early treatment is especially important for the elderly, the very young, people with certain chronic health conditions, and pregnant women. Finally, everyday preventive actions may slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses, like flu.

In addition to getting the flu shot, everyday preventative actions can help prevent the flu. Residents should be diligent about personal hygiene, including:
Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. 
Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
Avoid close contact with sick people.

If you or your child gets sick with a respiratory illness, like flu, limit contact with others as much as possible to help prevent spreading illness. Stay home (or keep your child home) for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to seek medical care or for other necessities. Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.

If an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs, follow public health advice. This may include information about how to increase distance between people and other measures.

For additional information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu or www.wicomicohealth.org or call the Wicomico County Health Department at 410-543-6943. For information on where flu shots are offered in your area visit www.flu.gov.