Flu on the rise in West Michigan

“To start with we weren’t giving a lot at all before the state of emergency, but now they are starting to pick up everyday”, she said. The state does not tally total influenza cases statewide, but data from a group of a dozen testing laboratories and hospitals shows at least 380 confirmed cases this year. While these symptoms could also present themselves with the flu, it’s much less common, Baroco said. To make it worse, the fast-moving virus is sweeping into some parts of the United States that only see it rarely or have never seen it at all. Liz Connor finds out more.

It is no secret that this year’s influenza season is frighteningly severe Stories of patients stricken with this infection are becoming a regular feature in the news.

Statewide, as of January 13, the last date with data available, there were 95 outbreaks and 2,055 hospitalizations with more than half (1,193) among those 65 and older and another 389 hospitalizations among those 50 to 64 years old. “Pediatric death as a result of the flu virus are very rare for state of West Virginia and across the country”. So should you be anxious? “We try to vaccinate as many as possible even if they are healthy and don’t have symptoms or signs”.

For patients needing to treat their flu symptoms, the number of medicinal options can be overwhelming. Even more alarming, there are two different strains, one more risky than the other.

Children, senior citizens and those with medical issues are more at risk of suffering from complications from the flu.

Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, fever, decreased appetite and nasal discharge.

“Australian flu is rapidly spreading quickly across Europe, including in Spain and Ireland. Pharmacists offer numerous same services that local Global Positioning System do, but you don’t need to make an appointment to see them and they are often open during evenings and weekends”. Numerous symptoms of influenza are common to other viral infections, or “colds”, though perhaps more miserable.

The flu can be especially unsafe for people over the age of 65, pregnant women, young children and anyone with asthma, diabetes and some other chronic medical conditions.

Is there a flu vaccine?

Those intending to get flu shots should visit the “HealthMap Vaccine Finder” web page to find a local place to receive one.

The vaccine is generally about 50 percent effective.

Is it worth seeing a doctor for antibiotics in the early stages?

“For those CT residents who haven’t yet received a flu shot, we hope they will take advantage of these flu clinics”, said DPH Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino in a news release.