More flu deaths reported in Douglas County over 65-years-old
- by Virginia Carter
- in World Media
- — Jan 17, 2020
Yellowstone County health officials say flu cases are on the rise and urged residents to get vaccinated against the illness.
Clayton says the deaths were caused by Influenza A, which is a bit unusual because Influenza B is usually the first to come in strong.
As of January 4, this season was already worse than last year's in some regards, according to CDC.
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"The CDC has found that there have been four circulating strains so far this flu season, and two are very similar to the strains in the vaccine", said Richard T. Ellison, professor of infectious diseases and immunology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester UPI. The cases were reported in Deul and Melette Counties.
What strains are prevalent this year?
"Influenza [A] hits generally end of November, early December and then starts to wane and then B comes in later, like February, March. They tend to have more severe reaction to influenza B".
"We won't really be able to compare until this flu season is over, because we never really know how the flu season is going to go", Mirivel said. For example, this year's match to the H3N2 strain of the virus is only 34%, which Fauci called a "poor" match.
Most flu shots are covered by insurance.
Should people still get vaccinated? .
"They are close enough so the vaccine offers some protection", Lynnette Brammer, who leads the CDC's domestic influenza surveillance team, told The Washington Post.
It is also essential to practice good hygiene by properly and frequently washing one's hands to help prevent the spread of seasonal flu.
Those to whom the vaccine is made available in the public sector are healthcare workers, non-health frontline workers, high-risk members of the population, children and the elderly with chronic illnesses, pregnant women and individuals who are institutionalised or in state care. It has never been easier, and it's never too late to get a flu shot.
Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than it is in adults.
Kisner says anyone can get sick with influenza, even healthy people.
What complications can accompany the flu? "We extend our honest sympathy to this patient's family and ask everyone to help play a part in reducing the spread of flu in our county".
Influenza symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
Symptoms can be alleviated quickly with medication prescribed by your doctor.
