Flu Anyone else following the Flu this season? 2017-2018
- Thread starter Deb Mc
- Start date
Haven't heard much about it locally, but the vaccine is NOT remotely even a decent match for the strains... something like 15% effective, if that.
So we're likely to see much higher numbers of infected people with symptoms... many of those who routinely get vaccinated aren't likely to avoid catching influenza...
Summerthyme
So we're likely to see much higher numbers of infected people with symptoms... many of those who routinely get vaccinated aren't likely to avoid catching influenza...
Summerthyme
Summer,
Hey there! :-) Good seeing you!
Yeah, had seen there had been some questioning of the flu vaccines' effectiveness. Am wondering if it may end up something completely novel, with the numbers of infected and the way it seems to be spiking so early this year. Had read Arizona is reporting something like a 750% increase in flu infections this year compared to last year's.
The way it seems to be spreading, am wondering if they'll start to limit social gatherings to prevent a full-scale epidemic...
Hey there! :-) Good seeing you!
Yeah, had seen there had been some questioning of the flu vaccines' effectiveness. Am wondering if it may end up something completely novel, with the numbers of infected and the way it seems to be spiking so early this year. Had read Arizona is reporting something like a 750% increase in flu infections this year compared to last year's.
The way it seems to be spreading, am wondering if they'll start to limit social gatherings to prevent a full-scale epidemic...
For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/12/29/flu-season-early/990271001/
Flu widespread in 36 states, CDC reports
USA TODAY NETWORK Rachel Ohm, Knoxville (Tenn.) News Sentinel Published 12:15 p.m. ET Dec. 29, 2017 | Updated 5:19 p.m. ET Dec. 29, 2017
Outbreaks of influenza are getting an early start this year in part because of cold weather gripping much of the USA and low efficacy associated with this year's flu vaccine.
It's still too early to say whether this winter will be a bad season for the flu, but epidemiologists in 36 states already have reported widespread influenza activity to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in data released Friday. Twenty-one of those states show a high number of cases.
"It's just one of those years where the CDC is seeing that this strain of flu is only somewhat covered by the vaccine that was given this year," said Jennifer Radtke, manager for infection prevention at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. "They're seeing that it's anywhere from 10% to 33% effective, so any time there’s a mismatch between the vaccine and the circulating strain of the flu, you’re going to see more cases."
► Dec. 12: Does he have 'man flu'? One researcher claims it's for real
► Dec. 5: Flu season has arrived and it could be a bad one
► Nov. 22: Essentia fires about 50 workers for refusing to get flu shot
Peak flu activity in the U.S. usually occurs around February.
Vaccine effectiveness varies from year to year though recent studies show that a flu shot typically reduces the risk of illness by 40% to 60% among the overall population when the circulating virus is matched closely to the vaccine virus, according to the CDC.
Because only a certain percentage of people with flu symptoms go to hospitals and get tested, it can be challenging to track the actual number of people affected, Radtke said. False negative results for flu tests are also common, so it’s likely the number of people with the flu is much higher.
From the start of the flu season, which begins in October and lasts until May, Arizona has reported a nearly ninefold increase in the number of cases compared with the same period last year, according to the state Department of Health Services.
"It's not uncommon to see (flu) this time of year," said Radtke in Knoxville. "But we've had cold Decembers before and not had flu."
Flu symptoms include fever, body aches, chills, fatigue, cough and a sore throat. The illness typically passes within a few days but can be especially dangerous to the very young, the very old, pregnant women and those with respiratory problems.
Influenza can develop into pneumonia, an infection that causes the lungs' air sacs to become inflamed and fill with fluid.
Deaths already have occurred in some states this flu season. Among them:
• In Arizona, the state is reporting one death of a child in its latest tally; however, an otherwise healthy 20-year-old mother of two in Phoenix died Nov. 28, one day after being diagnosed, CBS News reported.
• In California, at least 10 people younger than 65 have died, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. An 11th death occurred Thursday. The state does not track flu-related deaths among those 65 and older.
• In Delaware, a 47-year-old man with underlying health problems and an 83-year-old woman have died, state health officials said.
• In North Carolina, 12 people, including a child, have died.
• In South Carolina, seven have died. All were age 65 or older.
Getting a flu shot now is still one way to combat the virus even though it can't promise total immunity, health officials say.
More insurers fully cover the cost, and pharmacists in all states now can administer the vaccinations, according to the American Pharmacists Association trade group.
"People are able to come in to the pharmacy — especially a 24-hour pharmacy like this one where you can come in at literally any time — and be in and out usually within 15 minutes," said Jason Lind, a Walgreens pharmacist in St. Cloud, Minn.
► Nov. 1: Getting the flu can wreak havoc on your finances
► Oct. 26: What Australia's bad flu season might mean for us
Also to keep the germs at bay, wash or sanitize your hands frequently, especially if you're touching shared surfaces such as shopping carts in public places; clean faucet and toilet handles frequently at home to reduce transmission of the virus within your family; cover your mouth when coughing; stay home when you're sick; stay away from sick people; and avoid touching your face.
It also pays to stay well rested and hydrated so if you do come in contact with a flu virus, your body is prepared to fight it off.
If you're already feeling ill, get to a doctor as quickly as possible.
► Oct. 24: U.S. vaccine panel to discuss waning effectiveness, new shots
► Oct. 17: 7 ways to meet the costs of cold and flu season
Antiviral prescription drugs such as Tamiflu can lessen the severity of influenza for people who have had flu symptoms for two days or fewer and prevent complications such as pneumonia. But they also can have side effects, so a flu shot while you're well should be your first choice.
“It can take up to two weeks to build full immunity to the flu after you are vaccinated," said Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. "So I encourage everyone who has not yet had a flu shot to get one today before the holidays.”
Contributing: Megan Janetsky, The Arizona Republic; Joe Szydlowski, The Salinas Californian; Maddy Lauria, The (Wilmington, Del.) News Journal; Liv Osby, The Greenville (S.C.) News; Andrew Fraser, St. Cloud (Minn.) Times; The Associated Press. Follow Rachel Ohm on Twitter: @rachel_ohm
https://www.gannett-cdn.com/media/2...3253380370-122917-Flu-activity-map-Online.png
CDC interactive map
Posted for fair use.....
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/12/29/flu-season-early/990271001/
Flu widespread in 36 states, CDC reports
USA TODAY NETWORK Rachel Ohm, Knoxville (Tenn.) News Sentinel Published 12:15 p.m. ET Dec. 29, 2017 | Updated 5:19 p.m. ET Dec. 29, 2017
Outbreaks of influenza are getting an early start this year in part because of cold weather gripping much of the USA and low efficacy associated with this year's flu vaccine.
It's still too early to say whether this winter will be a bad season for the flu, but epidemiologists in 36 states already have reported widespread influenza activity to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in data released Friday. Twenty-one of those states show a high number of cases.
"It's just one of those years where the CDC is seeing that this strain of flu is only somewhat covered by the vaccine that was given this year," said Jennifer Radtke, manager for infection prevention at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. "They're seeing that it's anywhere from 10% to 33% effective, so any time there’s a mismatch between the vaccine and the circulating strain of the flu, you’re going to see more cases."
► Dec. 12: Does he have 'man flu'? One researcher claims it's for real
► Dec. 5: Flu season has arrived and it could be a bad one
► Nov. 22: Essentia fires about 50 workers for refusing to get flu shot
Peak flu activity in the U.S. usually occurs around February.
Vaccine effectiveness varies from year to year though recent studies show that a flu shot typically reduces the risk of illness by 40% to 60% among the overall population when the circulating virus is matched closely to the vaccine virus, according to the CDC.
Because only a certain percentage of people with flu symptoms go to hospitals and get tested, it can be challenging to track the actual number of people affected, Radtke said. False negative results for flu tests are also common, so it’s likely the number of people with the flu is much higher.
From the start of the flu season, which begins in October and lasts until May, Arizona has reported a nearly ninefold increase in the number of cases compared with the same period last year, according to the state Department of Health Services.
"It's not uncommon to see (flu) this time of year," said Radtke in Knoxville. "But we've had cold Decembers before and not had flu."
Flu symptoms include fever, body aches, chills, fatigue, cough and a sore throat. The illness typically passes within a few days but can be especially dangerous to the very young, the very old, pregnant women and those with respiratory problems.
Influenza can develop into pneumonia, an infection that causes the lungs' air sacs to become inflamed and fill with fluid.
Deaths already have occurred in some states this flu season. Among them:
• In Arizona, the state is reporting one death of a child in its latest tally; however, an otherwise healthy 20-year-old mother of two in Phoenix died Nov. 28, one day after being diagnosed, CBS News reported.
• In California, at least 10 people younger than 65 have died, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. An 11th death occurred Thursday. The state does not track flu-related deaths among those 65 and older.
• In Delaware, a 47-year-old man with underlying health problems and an 83-year-old woman have died, state health officials said.
• In North Carolina, 12 people, including a child, have died.
• In South Carolina, seven have died. All were age 65 or older.
Getting a flu shot now is still one way to combat the virus even though it can't promise total immunity, health officials say.
More insurers fully cover the cost, and pharmacists in all states now can administer the vaccinations, according to the American Pharmacists Association trade group.
"People are able to come in to the pharmacy — especially a 24-hour pharmacy like this one where you can come in at literally any time — and be in and out usually within 15 minutes," said Jason Lind, a Walgreens pharmacist in St. Cloud, Minn.
► Nov. 1: Getting the flu can wreak havoc on your finances
► Oct. 26: What Australia's bad flu season might mean for us
Also to keep the germs at bay, wash or sanitize your hands frequently, especially if you're touching shared surfaces such as shopping carts in public places; clean faucet and toilet handles frequently at home to reduce transmission of the virus within your family; cover your mouth when coughing; stay home when you're sick; stay away from sick people; and avoid touching your face.
It also pays to stay well rested and hydrated so if you do come in contact with a flu virus, your body is prepared to fight it off.
If you're already feeling ill, get to a doctor as quickly as possible.
► Oct. 24: U.S. vaccine panel to discuss waning effectiveness, new shots
► Oct. 17: 7 ways to meet the costs of cold and flu season
Antiviral prescription drugs such as Tamiflu can lessen the severity of influenza for people who have had flu symptoms for two days or fewer and prevent complications such as pneumonia. But they also can have side effects, so a flu shot while you're well should be your first choice.
“It can take up to two weeks to build full immunity to the flu after you are vaccinated," said Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. "So I encourage everyone who has not yet had a flu shot to get one today before the holidays.”
Contributing: Megan Janetsky, The Arizona Republic; Joe Szydlowski, The Salinas Californian; Maddy Lauria, The (Wilmington, Del.) News Journal; Liv Osby, The Greenville (S.C.) News; Andrew Fraser, St. Cloud (Minn.) Times; The Associated Press. Follow Rachel Ohm on Twitter: @rachel_ohm
https://www.gannett-cdn.com/media/2...3253380370-122917-Flu-activity-map-Online.png
CDC interactive map
joyfulheart
Veteran Member
It's hit our family. Youngest kid got it, waiting for it to spread to the rest of us .. Doc said our area is number 7 nationwide for flu cases (DFW).
Went to the store today and stocked up on flu- foods and meds so I can stay in and keep us quarantined until all are healthy again...
Went to the store today and stocked up on flu- foods and meds so I can stay in and keep us quarantined until all are healthy again...
ShadowMan
Designated Grumpy Old Fart
Need to mix up another BIG batch of Elderberry Tincture. So far in our area we haven't seen much, but there's a university nearby and I expect that things will explode once the new semester starts this week after the Christmas vacation is over. YUCK!!
Happens every year at the start of school and after the holiday break. Everyone brings their crud back from home and we get hit with multiple variations on the flu/cold theme.
I've got a lot of work around the Shadow Homestead and plan to avoid people as much as possible until this all blows over. Really there's not much else you can do but isolate yourself from all the infected coughing up lungs and spreading their snot all over the place.
If this gets really bad I won't go out in public without a N95 mask and a ton of hand cleanser around. I don't care if it looks weird or anything, I'm just getting too old to deal with this crud any more and other peoples bad personal hygiene and manners.
Happens every year at the start of school and after the holiday break. Everyone brings their crud back from home and we get hit with multiple variations on the flu/cold theme.
I've got a lot of work around the Shadow Homestead and plan to avoid people as much as possible until this all blows over. Really there's not much else you can do but isolate yourself from all the infected coughing up lungs and spreading their snot all over the place.
If this gets really bad I won't go out in public without a N95 mask and a ton of hand cleanser around. I don't care if it looks weird or anything, I'm just getting too old to deal with this crud any more and other peoples bad personal hygiene and manners.
Great to see you Deb Mc!
Flu is bad in Oklahoma; several schools have closed to clean the facility and busses, 10 people have died latest news I have heard.
We went to a cabin in the Ozarks for Christmas and heard on the news there that 11 people had died from flu in Arkansas.
Cousin spent first part of December in the hospital with pneumonia. She is still working on getting her strength back. Took her to the doctor for a follow-up appointment yesterday and we wore gloves and masks.
Flu is bad in Oklahoma; several schools have closed to clean the facility and busses, 10 people have died latest news I have heard.
We went to a cabin in the Ozarks for Christmas and heard on the news there that 11 people had died from flu in Arkansas.
Cousin spent first part of December in the hospital with pneumonia. She is still working on getting her strength back. Took her to the doctor for a follow-up appointment yesterday and we wore gloves and masks.
momengineer
Senior Member
Glad to see this thread. Flu is bad in our area as well...there is a recent news article that the United Kingdom is experiencing a bad outbreak as well- they are calling it the "Aussie" flu as last season was more difficult than normal there. Good news is-while I am hearing of outbreaks, not hearing of as many deaths (at least locally). I'll try to find the article, but I'm on my phone so...
Thanks, Stormy! Good to see you too!
Understood - Am hearing "Epidemic" in a number of different news articles from different states here in the U.S. Imo, I think they'll end up calling this the next "Pandemic", like they did for 1968. Have heard it's been causing VERY high temps (106F) and upwards of 8x the normal infections. Yowza! Something is definitely different, especially with how virulent it is this time of year...
Understood - Am hearing "Epidemic" in a number of different news articles from different states here in the U.S. Imo, I think they'll end up calling this the next "Pandemic", like they did for 1968. Have heard it's been causing VERY high temps (106F) and upwards of 8x the normal infections. Yowza! Something is definitely different, especially with how virulent it is this time of year...
ShadowMan
Designated Grumpy Old Fart
I've been reading that this version hitting us now is the H3N1, it's particularly nasty and the current vaccine is only 10% +/- effective against it.
So we're stocking up on Sambucus, Elderberry Tincture, Goldenseal, Vit C, Zinc, bone & chicken broth and anything else I can think of.....oh and N95 masks!
If we have to shelter in place I'm good with that also. Got more than enough preps to see us through and more than enough work around my place to keep me busy for months. Thank God we're retired!!! No need to socialize with a bunch of infected sheep if it comes down to that. Sad to say....but the cold truth.
Just really concerned for our youngest away at university......especially this time of year.
So we're stocking up on Sambucus, Elderberry Tincture, Goldenseal, Vit C, Zinc, bone & chicken broth and anything else I can think of.....oh and N95 masks!
If we have to shelter in place I'm good with that also. Got more than enough preps to see us through and more than enough work around my place to keep me busy for months. Thank God we're retired!!! No need to socialize with a bunch of infected sheep if it comes down to that. Sad to say....but the cold truth.
Just really concerned for our youngest away at university......especially this time of year.