Escape the flu so far? Take care; the season's far from over

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention each week puts out a flu map outlining the rates and types of influenza by state. The Pennsylvania Department of Health goes one step further and breaks the information down by county. For physicians, this can be as exciting as watching states flip to blue or red on Election Day.

Pennsylvania hit widespread flu activity classification around Thanksgiving, with the peak week being the last in December.

And just like the Christmas fruitcake that nobody wants, we can be sure the flu will stick around for a while. So here are a few facts and reminders to help get you through.

— Most of the influenza this year is Flu A, specifically influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus.

— The most common strain has been determined to be “genetically and antigenically similar” to the viral protection in the 2018-19 vaccine. This means that we can expect relatively good protection from our flu shots.

— Nationwide, there have been 16 pediatric deaths from influenza this season.

— Minimal resistance to antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) has been reported to date.

— Antiviral medications are reserved for people with a high risk of complications due to the flu. They are not routinely prescribed due to many side effects and a risk of resistance with overuse.

— Data about the effectiveness of the flu “mist” versus the flu shot will not be available until the end of the season.

— It takes about two weeks for the current flu vaccine to reach full effectiveness. Since we are expecting another six to eight weeks of high flu volume, it still makes sense to get a flu shot if you have not gotten one yet.

— An in-depth report available on the CDC website shows the very high safety profile of the flu vaccine and the very low incidence of adverse reactions.

— In past years, a different strain of influenza has spiked up in the early spring, effectively creating two different flu outbreaks.

— The flu costs the U.S. approximately $7 billion in lost productivity due to sick days. If you are sick, do your co-workers, and the economy, a favor and stay home.

— Flu virus spreads when people who have the flu cough, talk or sneeze, and people up to 6 feet away inhale viral particles. Less commonly, you can contract the virus by touching a surface with viral particles on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

— To avoid the flu: Get a flu vaccine, wash your hands, avoid sick people and do not touch your face.

The season has only just begun. Health care providers remain hopeful that with an emphasis on prevention we can come through 2019 with low statistics for hospitalizations and deaths from influenza. Early indicators are that the flu is here to stay for a bit, so protect yourself and your family.

* Dr. Pia Fenimore, of Lancaster Pediatric Associates, answers questions about children's health. You can submit questions at Features@LNPnews.com.

Credit: DR. PIA FENIMORE | LNP Correspondent