In spite of our clever title, the Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists are reporting that 2017 flu is widespread and it can be serious.
Caution! Peak Flu Season
If you have not noticed quite a few people sick with the flu in your area, then feel fortunate! 43 states are reporting that the disease is very active within their borders.
The Huffington Post reported, “Based on outpatient visits for influenza-like illness, 23 states — including nearly all of the South and parts of the Northeast — are seeing flu activity that is much higher than average.”
Beware! Special Alarm for the Youngest Family Members!
The illness can be especially dangerous for children. In the first week of this month, the flu claimed the lives of five children and adolescents.
The total number of flu deaths for the 2016-17 Flu Season so far is twenty. Sadly, pediatric deaths from flu and pneumonia are double the normal percentage rate of previous seasons.
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly of Flu Season 2017
The Good: CDC professionals and healthcare providers are on alert across the country. In fact, late in January, the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Mortality Surveillance System declared the flu to be at “epidemic” levels.
Watch Out For Flu!
The powerful virus responsible for many of the most serious cases is the strain labeled influenza A (H3) It is a tough virus, but it did not elude this season’s flu vaccine.
If you took your flu shot, you might not get A (H3.) At least, you will suffer a weaker case of it due to the help of the vaccine.
The Bad: The CDC also reports that A (H3) “is susceptible to neuraminidase inhibitors like oseltamivir.”
Also Good: That means we can treat patients with antiviral medications, oseltamivir, zanamivir, and peramivir.
And The Ugly: You should be aware that once in a while the CDC encounters flu viruses that are resistant to these excellent antiviral drugs. Sightings of these super-viruses are rare, but more common and certainly more deadly than sightings of the mythical Yeti. Additionally, reports of these drug resistant viruses have originated independently from many countries, literally, all over the world.
Facing the Facts Behind the Rise of the Flu and You, 2017
Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists do not print flu status updates to bring you unnecessary anxiety. We simply want you to be aware of the increased danger of catching the flu.
We sincerely hope you have taken your flu shot because we are now in the worst of the season for some parts of the country.
Let’s check some recent statistics:
- About Those Tests: This month the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota reported, “The percentage of flu-positive respiratory tests rose from 9.1% to 12%…”This is the maximum percentage of flu-positive tests so far in 2017.
- About Those Clinic and ER Visits: The CIDR group also stated that the percentage of clinic visits for flu increased from 2.4% to 3.1% mid-February.
According to the CDC, the heaviest part of the flu season 2017 got a late start. Dr. James Steinberg, chief medical officer at Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta, stated, “With the flu season that’s going on right now, it is not too late for a vaccine.”
And FLASS reminds you that you can’t get the flu from your flu shot—That idea is just simply a myth. It is true you might feel a little under the weather after your shot. In fact, this is good! It simply means body has been stimulated to recognize the virus and ignite its defense system against the flu.
Actions You Can Take
FLASS here in Orlando hopes you will respond to this flu alarm in simple but effective ways. Perhaps this blog warning can simply cause you to wash your hands an extra time or two.
Be Brave. Peak Flu Season Will End!
- Maybe it would be a good idea to stay out of crowds until the peak season has passed.
- On behalf of your neighbors and associates, if you must cough, cover your mouth with the inside of the crook of your arm instead of your hands.
- We also hope you will take special care of yourself if you are in a high risk group for the flu.
Financial Effects of the Season
ABC recently pointed out, the flu season has been causing small businesses hardships. Check out the ways staffers and executives are coping with the viruses. FLASS sends kudos to businesses like Insperity in Houston. Amy Marcum, human resources consultant with the company advocates some work rules for flu season. We have paraphrased the rules below. If you own a business, we hope you will follow them.
- Roll Call: Don’t go to work if you are sick. Work for short periods at home if you feel well enough.
- Meds: Get your flu shots.
- Business Buddies: Have a plan for helping fellow staffers, and back up each other. Sharing or delaying certain projects until after the peak season is also encouraged by proactive business owners.
Thank you for reading our FLASS blog, and remember, just as sure as spring blossoms into summer, the peak flu season will fade.
