COVID, RSV and now the FLU — we can’t seem to catch a break. The good news is we have a Flu vaccine. If you aren’t vaccinated against the Flu already, get the vaccine ASAP.
The Flu is here and amongst us. Locally we are in the midst of a Flu epidemic.
Key Points
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Influenza activity continues to increase. Regions 4 (Southeast) and 6 (South-Central) are reporting the highest levels of flu activity, followed by regions 3 (Mid-Atlantic) and 9 (south-central West Coast).
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Three influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported this week.
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CDC estimates that, so far this period, there have been at least 2.8 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 1,300 deaths from flu.
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The cumulative hospitalization rate in the FluSurv-NET system is higher than the rate observed in week 44 during every previous flu period since 2010-2011.
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An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against flu. Getting vaccinated helps prevent infection and can also prevent serious outcomes in people who get vaccinated but still get sick with flu.
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CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get a flu vaccine annually.
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There are also prescription flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat flu illness; those need to be started as early as possible.
As always, Dr. Guy is available to answer your questions at (707) 938-1255.
Here is a link to the CDC’s weekly surveillance report.
Please call our office or go to your local pharmacy to get vaccinated against the Flu ASAP.
Be well!
