CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Flu season has arrived in West Virginia much earlier compared to the last six years, according to state health officials.
“Patients seeking out-patient care for flu-like symptoms in West Virginia is at 3.92 percent, which indicates an onset of flu season here,” said Shannon McBee, state epidemiologist with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Public Health.
West Virginia typically doesn’t peak with flu cases until mid-February.
“For us, to see this many cases of flu this early, we’re in for a rough season I think,” McBee said.
People with chronic conditions are at higher risk of serious complications from #flu. Get your flu shot today. Learn more: https://t.co/kAHLcE3Xcs pic.twitter.com/dkH33omm5V
— WV DH, DHF, and DoHS (@WV_DH_DHF_DoHS) November 6, 2022
There are a number of reasons why flu cases are spiking.
“We are likely seeing high cases of flu right now this early because less people have been vaccinated in recent years. We also have this immunity gap that’s going on with the pandemic,” McBee said.
People have been inside taking precautions and wearing masks, so a lot of people, especially children under the age of 4 haven’t been exposed to a lot of the seasonal, common respiratory viruses that we typically get exposed to every year.
About 4.6 percent of all emergency department visits and urgent care visits in West Virginia last week had influenza listed as a diagnosis, according to the DHHR. That’s above the statewide baseline of 3.3 percent.
McBee said they’re monitoring bed capacity.
“Bed capacity is around 80 percent for both pediatric and adults statewide,” she said. “We do have several hospitals where their pediatric beds are at capacity or slightly over capacity by 1-3 beds, which means this can create delays for families waiting for a family member to be admitted or they may have to get transferred to another hospital where there is another bed available.”
The most predominate strain in West Virginia currently is the Influenza A H1N1.
The southeastern and south central parts of the U.S. are being hit the hardest by RSV.
Children under the age of 5 and adults over the age of 60 are most susceptible to respiratory illnesses like the flu. Those who have asthma, diabetes, obesity, chronic lung disease or heart disease, kidney disease or liver disorder are also at risk.
McBee said they’re encouraging West Virginians to get their flu vaccine to avoid a trip to the hospital.
“Getting your flu vaccine protects you not only against infection, but it also protects you from the most severe outcomes of flu. Even if you do get sick from flu, it’s going to keep you out of the hospital,” she said.
Symptoms of flu include high fever, dry cough, sore throat and body aches.