Flu widespread in West Virginia at close of February

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In the closing days of February, West Virginia is reporting widespread flu activity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and health officials are predicting several more weeks before flu cases begin to decline.

“We are seeing several outbreaks across the state,” said Dr. Rahul Gupta, state health officer and commissioner of the state Department of Health and Human Resources’ Bureau for Public Health.

Dr. Rahul Gupta

Since January, he said 36 separate outbreaks had been confirmed in laboratories with about 1/3 of those in school settings. In Harrison County, school absenteeism was at 15 percent last week because of the flu.

Long-term care facilities have also seen rising numbers of flu cases.

“It could be multiple factors,” Gupta said of the increase. “One of the things that’s important (to remember) is that this is typically the time of the year — February, late February, especially in March — when the flu peaks.”

In addition to getting a flu shot, the CDC recommends taking the following steps for flu prevention:

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
2. Stay home when you are sick.
3. Cover your mouth and nose.
4. Clean your hands.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits.

“While it is more than the activity we saw last year, it is important to understand at this time that it is still not too late to get your flu vaccine which is, perhaps, the best way of preventing the flu,” Gupta told MetroNews, noting flu shot efficacy takes two weeks.

The CDC estimated this year’s flu vaccine has reduced a vaccinated person’s risk of needing medical care because of illness by 48 percent.

Influenza A is the most predominant flu strain circulating in West Virginia, though Influenza B has also been making people sick, according to Gupta.

The Mountain State was one of 44 states reporting widespread flu activity, though CDC data showed the flu rates were lower compared with all surrounding states.

“Widespread” is defined as “outbreaks of influenza or increases in influenza-like illnesses cases and recent laboratory-confirmed influenza in at least half the regions of the state with recent laboratory evidence of influenza in the state.”

Flu season can continue into April.

“One thing that is predictable about the flu is that it’s unpredictable,” Gupta said.

“It is very difficult to tell how bad each outbreak will be and that is why having a flu shot in time, taking appropriate measures — whether you are going to school or work — are critical.”





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