Flu cases increasing

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
With widespread influenza activity being reported across the state, Angela Phillips, prevention nurse at Weston County Health Services, reports that the facility has seen an increase in confirmed flu cases over the past few weeks. 
According to the Wyoming Department of Health, health care providers in 22 of the 23 Wyoming counties have confirmed influenza cases, with widespread activity being reported in
all five regions in the state. The department notes in its weekly update that despite only 22 counties reporting confirmed
cases, all 23 counties have reported influenza or influenza-like illness activity. 
According to the report, the percentage of patients presenting influenza-like illness was 8.51%, well above the 2.85% Wyoming baseline. 
A total of 26 deaths have been linked to pneumonia and influenza since the beginning of the 2019-20 influenza season. The department states that the best surveillance for pneumonia-
and influenza-related deaths is to track death certificates,
although testing for seasonal influenza infections is not frequently performed. 
“Therefore, public health officials may not identify influenza-
associated deaths in many instances; consequently, this surveillance system may underestimate the true impact of influenza-associated deaths in the state,” the report says. 
“While seasonal influenza (flu) viruses are detected year-round in the United States, flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter,” the Centers for Disease Control says. “The exact timing and duration of flu seasons can vary, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although activity can last as late as May.” 
According to the CDC, everyone 6 months of age and older can and should get a flu vaccine every season. 
“Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza,” the CDC says.
The vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, missed work and school, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations, according to the CDC. 
“The flu vaccine has been shown to be life-saving in children. In fact, a 2017 study showed that flu vaccination can significantly reduce a child’s risk of dying from the flu,” the CDC says. 
Phillips reported that Weston County Health Services still has flu shots available and that it isn’t too late to protect yourself. Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay home to avoid spreading the illness to others, she said. 
“If you have a fever, stay home until you are afebrile for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications,” Phillips said. 
People can infect others 24 hours before they experience symptoms and they can be contagious for several days after being sick, she said. 
According to Phillips, signs and symptoms of the flu usually come on suddenly and include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. Some may experience vomiting or diarrhea. It is important to remember that not everyone with the flu will have a fever, she said. 
While anyone can contract the flu, Phillips said, it is important for individuals to play close attention to children and the elderly with these symptoms. Anyone experiencing trouble breathing, trouble reducing a fever or any signs of dehydration should seek medical attention. 
Treatment for the flu, Phillips said, can include an antiviral called Tamiflu that can be effective if the individual has not been experiencing symptoms for too long. 
“With the flu, it is a
virus, so it takes lots of rest and fluids,” Phillips said the Manor has implemented a 12-and-under visitor
restriction. 
Anyone over 12 who plans to visit a resident or patient is asked not to do so if they have a cough, fever or sore throat.