CHARLESTON, W.Va. — “Moderate flu activity” is being reported in West Virginia for the close of 2017.
The Mountain State is one of eight states experiencing mid-range levels of cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) that are localized, according to the most recent information available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The flu strain, H3N2, is leading the way which usually indicates a rough flu season is ahead, according to state Chief Health Officer Dr. Rahul Gupta.
“That’s when we see a lot more hospitalizations and elderly folks have a lot more, unfortunately, death rate,” Gupta said.
MORE see latest CDC flu report here
The H3N2 strain further magnifies the importance of doing what’s necessary to keep the flu from spreading, Gupta said. Things like washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough and staying away from work or school when your sick.
Because of the strain this year’s vaccine may only be 10 percent effective, but Gupta said a flu shot remains the “best tool to protect yourself.”
“If you get the vaccine it could either prevent the flu altogether or at least reduce the severity of the flu when you get it,” Gupta said. “It reduces the likelihood of being hospitalized or getting in real trouble.”
Gupta said West Virginia is still several weeks away from the peak of flu season.
Joining West Virginia in the moderate flu activity category are California, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oregon along with Puerto Rico.
High flu activity is reported in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas.
Australia, which is often used as a flu forecaster for the U.S., just wrapped up one of its most severe flu seasons in five years.