Flu Season 2015 - Epidemic Worsens in the U.S; More States Affected by the Outbreak & Deaths: Top Preventive Measures

The influenza epidemic continues to strike the U.S with an increasing number of cases as reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  According to the CDC, there is already high flu activity in half of the country with "national influenza-like-illness (ILI) now approaching the peak level seen during the 2012-2013 season,  which was also the last influenza A (H3N2)-predominant season."

In the closing of 2014, 22 states experienced high ILI activity, which translates to an increase from the previously recorded 13 states.  

Six states which include Colorado, Michigan, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia experienced moderate ILI activity; while New York had low ILI activity, together with eight other states.

As for influenza itself, 36 states had experienced widespread influenza activity.

Hospitalizations also went high with 2,643 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations which have been reported thru the Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv-NET) since October 1, 2014.  People 65 and older are said to have the highest hospitalization rate with 38.3 getting hospital intervention in every 100,000 people.

Death tolls have also added up as four influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported to CDC during the week ending December 20, increasing the total influenza-associated pediatric death toll to 15.

The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) based on the 122 Cities Mortality Reporting System increased again this week and was at the epidemic threshold of 6.8 per cent.

The risk of a severe flu season is particularly high this winter because of the prevalence of H3N2 influenza--a flu viruse which causes "more severe flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths during seasons when these viruses predominate," according to the CDC. These particular viruses are said to be  "drift variants," making them more suspect to genetic changes, so much so that this year's seasonal vaccine is not strong enough to keep people safe from the flu.  

CDC Director Tom Frieden said protection from vaccinations against these drifted H3N2 viruses is likely to be lower than usual as they are very different.  Notwithstanding, the CDC is urging the public to still get flu vaccination immediately, as this not only helps protect those who receive the vaccine, but also those high-risk persons they may come into contact with, such as children or the elderly.

Prevention

To prevent oneself from catching and spreading the disease, some top measures are recommended by health experts such as washing of hands often using soap and water; avoiding contact with individuals with cold symptoms; disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as toys, doorknobs, countertops, etc.; covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth; and getting medical help on flu-related concerns.