Flu cases drop slightly in region, state

Feb. 09--Flu cases in the region of Indiana that Cass County's in were lower last week than the week before but continue to be high across the state, according to the Indiana State Department of Health.

The ISDH's Weekly Influenza Report released Friday indicates almost 8 percent of patients reported flu-like illness in the district Cass County is in throughout the week ending Feb. 3, down from 9.55 percent the week before.

Statewide, over 7.6 percent of patients reported flu-like illness last week, down from just over 8 percent the week before, according to the ISDH report.

Susie Bennett, a registered nurse with the Cass County Health Department, said the department has given about 650 flu shots to children and adults this flu season. Demand seems to have picked up in the past month, she continued, adding it's likely because of people learning about how severe this flu season has been.

Influenza has claimed 167 Indiana lives so far this season, according to the ISDH report.

"This is a severe flu season, and unfortunately there are no signs that it has peaked yet," State Health Commissioner Kris Box said in an ISDH press release. "Hoosiers should do everything they can to protect themselves and their families, including getting a flu vaccine and staying home if they're sick."

Children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems are "especially susceptible to the flu," the press release continues. While most of Indiana's flu-related deaths have occurred in those 65 and older, the release goes on to state, almost 83 percent of flu-like illness reported to the ISDH this year involve those 24 and younger.

"Unfortunately, flu can spread rapidly in communal settings like classrooms and nursing homes, but no one is immune from the flu," Box said in the release. "Facilities that are experiencing high rates of flu should ensure that they are cleaning and disinfecting regularly and that ill individuals are isolated to help prevent additional cases of the flu."

The release states influenza "is a viral infection of the respiratory tract and is spread by droplets released when infected people cough or sneeze nearby or when people touch surfaces or objects contaminated with those infectious respiratory droplets."

Infections can result from people "touching surfaces or objects contaminated with influenza viruses and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose," according to the release.

Symptoms include a fever of 100 degrees, headache, fatigue, cough, muscle aches, sore throat and runny or stuffy nose, the release continues.

The release urges those experiencing flu-like symptoms to contact their doctor or visit an urgent care facility to keep emergency rooms available for those who are critically ill. It adds those whose symptoms began within 48 hours should ask whether an antiviral medication like Tamiflu is appropriate.

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year, the release states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends, adding it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to be fully effective.

Bennett said the Cass County Health Department still has some of this season's flu vaccine left and those 6 months to 18 years who have Medicaid or health insurance that does not cover vaccines can receive a free shot after scheduling an appointment. The department can be reached at 574-753-7760 and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The department offers flu vaccines for $20 to those 19 and older, Bennett added.

"While the CDC has said this year's vaccine is not as effective as hoped for the H3N2 virus, the vaccine still offers protection against other flu strains that are circulating and can reduce the severity of illness in individuals who contract the flu," according to the ISDH press release.

The release goes on to recommend the "Three Cs" of infection prevention to help prevent the spread of the flu.

--Clean: Properly wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water.

--Cover: Cover your cough and sneeze into your arm or a disposable tissue.

--Contain: Stay home when you are sick to keep your germs from spreading.

Reach Mitchell Kirk at mitchell.kirk@pharostribune.com or 574-732-5130

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