As the holiday season continues, we encourage you to share the joy of the holiday season and not the flu.
According to a Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) press release, most flu cases this year in Colorado have been caused by the influenza A (H3N2) virus, which can cause a more severe flu season with more hospitalizations. Reported influenza hospitalizations and outbreaks in long-term care facilities in Colorado have recently increased. Immunization is the best protection, so individuals are encouraged to get the flu vaccine now.
San Juan Basin Health (SJBH) joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and others across the nation to recognize National Influenza Vaccination Week — Dec. 7-13. It is not too late to get your vaccine, as flu activity usually peaks between December and February. CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza.
“We tend to have more severe seasons when H3N2 viruses predominate,” said Dr. Lisa Miller, state epidemiologist at the CDPHE. “Unfortunately, about half of the H3N2 virus circulating now are different from the H3N2 virus included in this season’s flu vaccine. Because they are different, we are concerned protection from the flu vaccine may be reduced. However, vaccination still is the best way to protect against the flu.”
Flu is among the most common respiratory illnesses in the United States, infecting millions of people every flu season. Every year, flu spreads across the country, from person to person, among families and communities. The severity of flu illness can vary from mild to severe. CDC estimates that over a period of 30 years, between 1976 and 2006, estimates of yearly flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people during the most severe season. And each season it’s estimated that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized because of flu-related complications.
Dr. Nick Kurz, with Cornerstone Family Medicine, said, “We have a fair amount of people getting their flu shots now. It takes about two weeks for your body to rev up after you get a flu shot and it will last for about three months. By getting the flu shot now, people’s bodies will be revved up by Christmas and will be protected through January, February and March.”
Kurz explained that during this season people are traveling and have more opportunities to be exposed to the flu. The physician said that his office has seen some flu variances that are viral and leave patients feeling achy and with mild flu-like symptoms, but the flu has not hit Pagosa Springs so far this season.
“By getting the shot, you can fight the flu or variances by fifty percent,” Kurz said.
Alisa Joran, office manger for Riverside Health Practices, said, “We have received an increase in phone calls with people thinking they have the flu or flu-like symptoms. … We recommend lots of water, chicken soup and rest.”
Claire Bradshaw, executive coordinator with Pagosa Springs Medical Center (PSMC), said the Primary Care Clinic has had no documented cases as yet that have tested positive for the flu.
To reduce spread of the flu, the health departments encourage everyday actions such as covering your cough and sneezes, staying away from sick people and washing your hands often. If you’re sick, stay home from work or school so you don’t spread the virus to others.
If you get flu-like symptoms and are at high risk for influenza complications (younger than 2 years old or over age 65, or with chronic medical conditions), call your doctor to determine if treatment with antiviral medications is needed. Early antiviral treatment can shorten the duration of fever and illness, reduce the risk of complications and reduce the risk of death among hospitalized patients.
SJBH encourages residents to receive their immunizations with their primary care provider, to ensure that their care is well coordinated. Flu shots are a preventive care benefit for both children and adults covered under the Affordable Care Act and for most people, the immunization will be free. For more information, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/what-are-my-preventive-care-benefits/.
SJBH has a limited supply of specialized flu vaccine, including high-dose flu shots for seniors and preservative-free vaccine for pregnant women. Additionally, there are flu shots for eligible children and adults who qualify for federally supported vaccines if they are unable to receive them from their primary care provider.
In Pagosa Springs, SJBH appointments are available the first Thursday of every month. Call 264-2409 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to schedule an appointment.
Follow these topics: Community, Education, Health, Lifestyle
