ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Flu season is back, this time with an early start.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States is seeing more flu cases for this time of year than usual – off to it’s fastest start in more than a decade.
More than thirty states are seeing flu activity, and Virginia is one of them.
Based on data by the Virginia Department of Health, as of Nov. 30, the state has seen a widespread level of flu activity, with reports of more than one outbreak in three or more regions.
Local health professionals are already seeing an increase in flu cases, especially in the New River Valley and Giles County area.
“We are seeing a steady increase in the number of cases of influenza. We currently have about 200+ cases since October the 1st,” says Dr. Anthony Baffoe-Bonnie, an Infectious Disease Specialist and Medical Director for Infection Control at Carilion Clinic.
It’s unknown why this year’s flu season is off to an early start. Dr. Baffoe-Bonnie says it depends on the season.
He says it’s not too late to get your flu shot since flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States between December and February.
“It does look like the influenza vaccine for this year seems to match up pretty well with the strains going around. It’s possible that if everybody gets immunized, we may not see a bad season,” says Dr. Baffoe-Bonnie.
One of the most common viruses going around is an Influenza B strain, called Victoria, which is known to hit children particularly hard.
To protect their health, Dr. Baffoe-Bonnie recommends all children six months and older get vaccinated.
Along with getting the flu shot, he also recommends practicing healthy habits. Here are some tips on how to avoid getting sick.
Flu Prevention Tips:
Avoid close contact with those who are sick or other people if you are sick.
If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home from school or work for at least 24 hours after your fever has disappeared.
Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing. Dispose of the tissue immediately after use.
Regularly wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without first washing your hands to ensure they are germ-free.
Clean and disinfect surfaces that people come into contact with at work, school, or home.
Calgary sees 5 times as many cases of influenza B than reported last year
Carly Stagg Digital Producer, Published Thursday, December 5, 2019
Nearly 130 people have been hospitalized in Alberta this flu season with lab-confirmed cases of the virus. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Toby Talbot)
Last season, Alberta recorded 143 cases of influenza B across the province. Just a few weeks into AHS's weekly flu season updates, the agency is reporting there have already been 307 cases — with half of those reported in the Calgary zone.
Last year, Calgary only saw 33 confirmed cases of the virus for the entire season.
The instances of lab-confirmed influenza A saw a spike in cases this week over last, from 277 to 361 with 84 new cases. It's the highest recorded jump this flu season.
The number of Albertans admitted to the hospital with lab-confirmed cases of the flu rose by 30 this week to 129, 14 of those reported in the Calgary zone. Ten additional cases were reported in Edmonton.
There have been no deaths linked to the flu in Alberta this season.
The holiday season is typically when the flu season ramps up as people travel and gather together more, increasing the possibility of spreading the flu virus further.
AHS says the best way to avoid getting sick is to wash hands frequently and cover mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing.
People who think they have the flu should stay home and rest to avoid spreading the virus.
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