How the Government Shutdown Will Affect Influenza Across the US

The physician explained that the situation is being replicated throughout the country. “Faced with this anticipated fiscal reality, we have had to make some very hard decisions”. Flu cases in Australia during the 2017 southern hemisphere winter resulted in record-high numbers of lab-confirmed hospitalizations and deaths. Symptoms include coughing, sore throats, fever and muscle aches. “If you’re sick, do not expose others”.

If you happen to be employed, there is no shame in staying home from work if you’re not feeling well.

According to the Los Angeles Times, hospitals across the state are flying in nurses from out of state, canceling surgeries and erecting tents in their parking lots to triage flu patients. Vaccines are less protective if strains are different than predicted and if unexpected mutations occur.

The Veterans Health Administration is already funded through the 2018 fiscal year, so VA hospitals will remain open.

Although flu season is in full swing, Ray and Khoukaz said it’s not too late to get a flu shot or to take other precautions.

“They actually look for the DNA and portions of the virus there that are a little bit more definitive, and they miss fewer of those cases”, says Dr. Threlkeld. “The best way to prevent the flu and protect yourself and/or your loved ones is to get the flu vaccine”. According to some estimates, the vaccine may only be 10 percent effective.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website provides an interactive map of locations offering the flu shot through vaccinefinder.org.

■ Ensure that NY continues to have an adequate supply of flu vaccine and remaining in close communication with the Centers for Disease control and Prevention regarding vaccine availability.

For the first time medical staff went into the Island’s 41 nurseries to administer the nasal spray to more than 900 children.

The CDC says the flu kills about 12,000 people annually. Dr. DeLisle said he has seen high-risk patients like those with asthma, diabetes, and heavy smokers.

One way to do that is reduce exposure. If you have kids, babysit, volunteer with the elderly, or have a weakened immune system – such as a chronic disease, are pregnant, or are elderly – you should definitely get a flu shot and convince all of your friends to do the same.

Stay home when you are sick. Their funding is one of several reasons Democrats have refused to vote in favor of a resolution that would have kept the government open.

Avetian said he saw masks being distributed at a local doctor’s office.

Avetian posts updates of the situation on his Facebook page, “Dr. George Avetian, Delaware County Senior Medical Advisor”.

Also, individuals with severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine or any ingredients (such as gelatin or some antibiotics) in the vaccine should not get the shot.

“However, there are additional ways to help prevent getting the flu”, she said.

Avoid close contact with anyone that is ill and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched such as your phone, keyboard, or desk.

“Don’t touch your T-zone – that’s your eyes, nose and mouth”, she said. CDC said it is tough to predict when influenza activity will peak for the current season, but stresses it will increase in the coming weeks.