Flu Shots Urged as Regional Threat Grows

“Compared to this date past year we’re seeing in some states more than twice as many flu victims”. But the CDC said it is too early to tell if this season is bigger than usual.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says this season’s flu outbreak is peaking, but it will likely take weeks before it slows down, reports CBS News’ Dr. Tara Narula. “It came out from the CDC that the numbers were going up between Christmas and New Year’s”, said Dr. Anne Cadau, who is with Patient First Urgent Care.

Over the weekend, 10-year-old Nico Mallozzi was traveling with his hockey team in western NY when he was diagnosed with the flu.

During this flu season there have already been 130 confirmed influenza cases in the Helena area, according to Lewis and Clark Public Health. “I have to take care of other people, that’s why I wanted to get my flu shot early”.

“This is a significantly larger number than we’ve had in the past”, Calderon said.

Based on his clinical experience, Itskowitz said this flu season will probably be winding down soon, as he believes right now the county is at or close to the peak level activity. “In addition, there are other strains of influenza still to show up that could be a major cause of disease”.

About 2.7 percent of patients visiting the state’s emergency rooms had flu-like illnesses last week.

“We want as many people vaccinated as possible to protect other people who are unable or can not take the vaccine due to age or other health complications”, she added. The CDC recommends people get injectable flu shots.

“Flu is different than the regular cold symptoms”, Cadau said.

“Washing hands is the best thing you can do and covering your cough”, she said. That’s four times more people compared to this time a year ago.

A year ago the flu vaccine was found to be very effective against the B strain, with a 73 per cent risk reduction, but only moderately effective against the A (H3N2) strain, with a 37 per cent risk reduction.

Adults who are eligible for the flu jab are being urged to have the free vaccination as the “best defence” against the illness.