Tom Huth, M.D., Reid Vice President of Medical Affairs, tracks flu-like illness at Reid and Reid physician offices year round. “And we have so far had only five admissions and no deaths related to the flu, which is good news that may indicate the cases this year are milder than in years past.” Huth expects the peak number of cases to be about 10 to 20% lower than last year, which was also mild compared to previous years.
Dr. Huth said flu and flu-like illness this season is following a similar volume pattern as last year, but is running about four weeks ahead in terms of its anticipated peak. Huth said this year’s flu cases seem to be striking a similar age group with an average age of 26.
Dr. Huth monitors flu-like illness by gathering information from Reid’s Emergency Department and Reid physician practices. He said it is still not too late to get a flu shot, “one of the best ways to avoid the flu and its potential complications.”
Otherwise, the basics of infection prevention remain the same:
- Wash your hands. Hand-washing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of flu and other illnesses.
- Avoid sharing bugs. Students and adults who believe they are ill should avoid others – stay home from school and work when infectious, for example, and don’t visit people in the hospital or nursing home.
- Cover your cough. The best way to cover a cough is to use your sleeve and arm, not hands.
Huth said it is always best to utilize an emergency department only as a last resort if the flu is suspected since the illness is usually more efficiently and cost-effectively managed in the doctor’s office or urgent care. Reid also offers a free service where people can call a nurse for medical advice if they have questions about flu or other issues. “Reid Nurse Connect” can be reached 24/7 at 1-855-4REIDRN (1-855-473-4376).
Influenza is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system (nose, throat and lungs). Flu symptoms often appear suddenly and include a fever, cough and/or sore throat, runny nose and headaches or body aches. Unlike a stomach virus, flu typically does not cause symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
The best time to treat flu symptoms is within 72 hours after the initial onset of symptoms.
Flu vaccines are usually available at doctors’ offices, urgent care centers, pharmacies and county health departments. The vaccine is often covered by insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. The Centers for Disease Control recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone over six months of age, especially for the very young, elderly and those who are caregivers. Early fall is the best time to get immunized, but it’s never too late.
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