Health officials are warning of an alarming spike in flu in almost every state and territory. The cumulative number of cases this year has already outpaced last year’s numbers for the same amount of time. As the expected winter surge of influenza takes hold, experts are urging individuals to remain vigilant and consider protective measures.
The influenza season, or flu season, as it’s often called, has seen its peak come in late July. This year, though, the increase in cases started a few months earlier than normal, worrying health officials. Taken together, the increase is especially shocking. This season’s data shows that influenza B viruses are more common than last season.
Kids nine years old and younger have been taking the brunt of the ongoing influenza surge. This age group has been the most infected age group for all reports. It is imperative that parents and guardians monitor symptoms very carefully. Most importantly, they need to take their child to the doctor immediately if needed because young children can develop more serious complications from the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported a dramatic rise in cases. This trend is indeed consistent with seasonal patterns, and yet the numbers this year are remarkably higher than normal seasonal trends. Health officials list three major reasons for this increase. They cite decreased levels of immunity in the population due to lower rates of infection the past few seasons as well as shifts in viral strains.
Public health campaigns are placing greater emphasis at reminding the public that vaccination is the first line of defense against influenza. Health experts recommend that individuals receive their flu shots, especially those in high-risk categories such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Vaccination does not just protect the individual, it protects the community by leading to herd immunity and therefore lowering the transmission rates in the overall population.
In addition to vaccination, health officials urge individuals to practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and staying home when feeling unwell. In tandem with these preventive measures, we can do much to limit the spread of the virus during this peak flu season.
