Most Common Virus Type This Winter
Until now we have mainly seen influenza A viruses circulating in the Region. In most cases these will cause mild illness, but in older adults they are known to sometimes lead to severe disease and death. Fewer influenza Apdm09 or influenza B viruses have been detected to date, although the distribution of viruses usually changes over the course of the winter, so we might see this situation change.
What Is Ecdc Doing
Each week during the influenza season ECDC, in collaboration with WHO/Europe, collects and analyses influenza surveillance data from Member States and publishes a weekly Flu News Europe bulletin.
The bulletin provides public health officials and decision-makers in Member States with the information required to assess influenza activity in the Region and helps them make decisions on appropriate actions to prepare their health systems and protect the populations most likely to be affected.
Monitoring influenza virus circulation across the Region also informs WHO/Europes recommendations on the composition of vaccines, thus increasing as much as possible their effectiveness against the virus types predicted to be in widespread circulation.
What Should Individuals Do
Get vaccinated at the earliest opportunity and when called to do so by their local health authority, particularly if they are in an at-risk group or are working in a health-care environment.
We would also recommend adopting the protective measures that are known to work against COVID-19, such as physical distancing and mask wearing, to help prevent influenza infection of the elderly and those with severe underlying medical conditions.
You May Like: Mgh Occupational Health Flu Shot
How Can I Take Care Of Myself
- Rest your stomach and intestines by following the suggested guidelines for your diet during the illness, but make sure you prevent dehydration by drinking enough liquids. Drink just small amounts or sips while you are having vomiting.
- Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines without checking first with your healthcare provider.
- Your symptoms are getting worse.
- You keep having severe symptoms for more than 1 or 2 days, or you are just not getting better after a few days.
- You start having symptoms that are not usually caused by stomach flu, such as blood in your vomit, bloody diarrhea, or severe abdominal pain.
Dont Miss: How Much To Get Stomach Fat Removed
How The Flu Spreads
You can catch it when someone who has it sneezes or coughs, sending virus-filled droplets into the air that you breathe in. You can also get it if you touch somewhere that the virus landed and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. Flu is more common in winter because people spend more time indoors and in close contact with each other, so the virus spreads more easily.
5
Don’t Miss: Can I Give Blood After Flu Vaccine
How Well Do Our Flu Vaccines Work
Because the flu virus changes so rapidly, and most flu vaccines are grown slowly and somewhat imprecisely in chicken eggs, the strains we get vaccinated against are sometimes not what our bodies end up encountering, Dr. Palese said. And because of that, flu vaccines are not as effective as some other vaccines that protect against viral illnesses. During the 2019-2020 flu season, for instance, those who received the flu vaccine were only 39 percent less likely than people who didnt receive the vaccine to develop influenza. Two doses of the Moderna and Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines, on the other hand, reduce symptomatic illness from Covid-19 by more than 90 percent, and two doses of the measles vaccine provide 97 percent protection.
That being said, Dr. Palese added, the best thing you can do to protect yourself from the flu is to get a vaccine. Thats the only thing that really makes a difference.
How Can I Learn About Preventing And Treating Mrsa Skin Infections
In 2008, CDC launched the National MRSA Education Initiative to provide information on recognition, prevention, and treatment of these infections. Visit the CDC MRSA web site for more information about this initiative.
Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
- Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
- You will be subject to the destination website’s privacy policy when you follow the link.
- CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance on other federal or private website.
Also Check: What Medication Can You Take For The Flu
Is Stomach Flu Going Around In San Diego
FluvirusSan Diego
Whats going around: Norovirus. The flu isnt the only virus keeping people home sick right now. Kyle Martin, an emergency physician at SSM Health, said his department has been seeing more cases of norovirus. Norovirus is a highly contagious, gastrointestinal virus that usually lasts up to three days.
Also, what stomach virus is going around November 2019? Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis.
Also know, what stomach virus is going around 2020?
Norovirus is a cause of viral gastroenteritis, sometimes referred to as stomach flu however, there is no biologic association with influenza or influenza viruses.
What virus is going around?
Norovirus. Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can get infected and sick with norovirus.
Recommended Reading: How To Ease Stomach Virus Pain
Seasonal Flu: Symptoms And Treatment
The seasonal flu can cause severe illness or complications. Certain groups of people have a higher risk of developing serious health conditions from the flu.
Flu is most common during the fall and winter months. Peak levels generally occur between late December and early March. There are many different strains of flu, and they tend to change each year.
You can avoid the seasonal flu by getting vaccinated every year.
Read Also: Getting A Flu Shot At Rite Aid
How Long Does The Flu Typically Last
According to the CDC, the flu can really wreak havoc on you, knocking you off our feet and straight into bed. The best way to prevent it is by getting the flu vaccine each year. But what if you do happen to catch it? How long does the flu last? What are the signs and flu symptoms you can expect? Get all your answers right here. .
What is influenza, aka the flu?
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can range from mild toâ¯severe. When ill with the flu, people often feel some of these flu symptoms:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Headaches
How does the flu spread?
Experts believe that influenza usually spreads through droplets that are created when those with the flu cough, sneeze, or talkâspecifically, when these droplets land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Sometimes a person can even catch the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it, and then afterward touching their own mouth, eyes, or nose.
How long does the flu last?
As harsh as the flu can be, the good news is that most people feel much better within one to two weeks.
Most healthy adults become contagious the day before symptoms develop . They remain infectious for up to five to seven days after symptoms appear. However, children and those with weakened immune systems may be contagious for an even longer period.
How can I get some relief from flu symptoms?
Key Points About The Flu In Children
-
Influenza is a very contagious viral infection of the respiratory system.
-
It causes a high fever, body aches, a cough, and other symptoms.
-
Most children are ill with the flu for less than a week. But some children have a more serious illness and may need to be treated in the hospital. The flu may also lead to lung infection or death.
-
The flu may be treated with acetaminophen, cough medicine, and antiviral medicine. Your child will also need lots of rest and drinking plenty of fluids.
-
The best way to prevent flu is to have the yearly flu vaccine. Because the viruses change, researchers create a new flu vaccine each year to help protect against strains of the virus that are currently active. The vaccine is advised for all children 6 months and older.
Read Also: Is There Medicine To Treat The Flu
The Feeling When You Wake Up Thats A Sign Of Omicron Symptoms
You should always get a follow-up PCR test if you have symptoms of the coronavirus, regardless of your lateral flow test result.
The NHS lists the three classic signs of Covid as a new, persistent cough, a high temperature and loss of smell or taste.
But many more including cold-like symptoms are now accepted as signs you could have the virus.
Experts have said, if you feel under the weather at all, do a test.
Dr Alexander Edwards, Associate Professor in Biomedical Technology, University of Reading, said: The motivation for the UK system still requiring PCR confirmation more recently is likely to do with monitoring virus variants, rather than confirming the original lateral flow result.
There are a number of other exceptions to the rule-change, outlined by the Government:
- people who are eligible for the £500 Test and Trace Support Payment will still be asked to take a confirmatory PCR so they can access financial support
- people participating in research or surveillance programmes may still be asked to take a follow-up PCR test
- around one million people in England who are at particular risk of becoming seriously ill from Covid are involved in new research of treatments
- in Wales, those who are in a clinically vulnerable group will still need to take a PCR test.
But its crucial to remember that the reverse is not true: a negative lateral flow result doesnt guarantee that you dont have Covid-19 or that youre not infectious.
Does It Matter Where And When I Get The Shot
Its fine to get a flu shot wherever they are offered, including at flu clinics, pharmacies, health departments or doctors offices, Dr. Palese said.
The C.D.C. usually recommends that everyone get vaccinated by the end of October at the latest. Given that population immunity against the flu is probably low, Dr. Gandhi said, its possible that the flu will peak earlier than usual . Also, it takes two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop full immunity, so if you havent yet gotten it, run out and get the flu vaccine immediately, she said.
Some kids specifically children between 6 months and 8 years old who have never received a flu vaccine, as well as those who have only ever received one dose should get two doses of the flu vaccine, at least four weeks apart, said Dr. Kelly Fradin, a pediatrician at Private Medical in New York City.
That said, even if its late in a flu season, it still is worthwhile to get a vaccine. The protection from the flu shot likely builds, even over years, said Dr. Fradin. If you get a vaccine after flu season has waned, it might anticipate the strains that will spread next season and provide some protection then, she said.
Don’t Miss: Cvs Flu Shot Cost With Insurance
When To See A Doctor
People should try to see a doctor within 24 to 48 hours after flu symptoms appear, as this is when antiviral treatments are most effective.
It is also important to see a doctor if symptoms do not improve after 7 days or new symptoms, such as ear pain, appear.
People should seek emergency medical treatment if:
- breathing becomes difficult or labored
- muscle pain is unbearable or severe enough to prevent walking
- a child develops a fever above 104°F
- when breathing, a child or infant makes loud sounds or pulls in the muscles around their ribs
- a person has seizures, loses consciousness, seems confused, or is unable to communicate effectively
- a baby under the age of 12 weeks develops a fever
- symptoms of chronic medical conditions get worse
- there is intense dizziness that does not go away after a few hours
- a person stops urinating or urinates very rarely
- symptoms get better but then return later and are worse
Why Did The Cdc Make These Changes
“The messaging around prevention is never easy, and this really is putting that prevention message in an international spotlight,” says Brian Labus, an assistant professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Las Vegas who studies communicable disease surveillance.
The change in isolation guidance is based on science, Labus says, that shows that up to 85 to 90% of disease transmission occurs in the one to two days before symptoms appear, and two to three days after. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky reiterated this reasoning at a recent White House COVID-19 response briefing. But even if the science is sound , the CDC’s problem is communicating that science to the public in a way that’s transparent, and reflective of a public health effort, rather than a succession to the pressures of the US economy.
“I don’t think that the CDC guidelines were significantly wrong,” Dr. Tom Frieden, the agency’s director under former President Barack Obama, told The New York Times. But, “I think the way they were released was very problematic.”
Also Check: To Get The Flu Shot Or Not
Is This Lurgy Normal
However, the doctor says the increase in the number of people reporting colds feels like a pre-pandemic norm.
” At this point in time, its not any different to normal,” added the GP.
In October, wed expect to be speaking to a lot of people with coughs, colds, sore throats, general infections.
I think the difference is that last year we didnt see that. People were wearing masks, people werent mixing, people were paying more attention to hygiene, social distancing. They perhaps werent all in offices working, going out socialising as much.
I think it might feel worse because we missed it last year. But if we look back to years before that, it feels pretty much like the onslaught of a winter.
What I would say, it feels like its starting a bit sooner than normal.
When youre not regularly exposed to infections, viruses, germs, then your immunity does drop a little bit.
Its that perfect storm of people not having had a cold or cough for 12 months because your immunity has dropped and weve not been mixing and being exposed to things. And people are mixing much more now, not wearing masks, hand hygiene perhaps isnt as high a priority as it was, people are back at work.
Who Should Get A Flu Vaccine
The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months receive a flu vaccine. The health agency stresses that vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza, including children under age 5, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, nursing home residents, and individual with certain medical conditions .
Were most concerned about those vulnerable people, but everyone over the age of 6 months should get it, stresses Schaffner.
Its also fast and easy to get a flu shot. Most are given in a single dose into the arm muscle via needle. Children who are 6 months to 8 years old getting vaccinated for the first time require two doses of vaccine spaced at least four weeks apart.
A nasal spray version may be available at some places that offer flu shots, although Dr. Glatter mentions that it was not as effective as the injection in 2019.
Not everyone will follow expert advice and get the vaccine this season. On average, heres how many people across the United States are vaccinated for the flu each year.
Read Also: Target $5 Gift Card Flu Shot
Seasonal Flu And Staph Infection
Questions & Answers
Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as staph, are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Staph bacteria frequently cause skin infections, such as boils. Most of these infections are not life-threatening.
In addition to skin infections, staph bacteria can cause infections in the blood, in the bones and in the lungs . Most serious staph bacterial infections are treated with an antibiotic related to penicillin. However, over the past 50 years, some staph bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics, including the commonly used penicillin-related antibiotics. These resistant bacteria are called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.
The Cdc’s Communication Problem
Before health officials make big recommendations to the public, a lot happens behind the scenes. With vaccines, for example, an independent committee of scientists, doctors and other experts meet to go over safety and effectiveness data with a fine-tooth comb before guidance is issued to the public. These meetings, which have grappled with such important decisions as, for example, the use of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in kids, are technically open to the public but they’re not easy to track down unless you know exactly where to look.
The advice that comes out of these meetings, too, can be hard to parse, as with the CDC’s confusing early booster guidance and its new isolation guidance.
“Public health creates guidance for our populations,” Labus notes. “It just is difficult to message these things — we don’t always make the same recommendations for everybody.”
But given the criticism the CDC faced in its execution and delivery of the new isolation guidelines, it’s likely an issue the agency will address. In fact, as NPR reported, the CDC has expressed interest in doing more media telebriefings, outside of Walensky’s regular appearances on the White House COVID-19 Response team briefings, which were infrequent during 2021.
But the public scrutiny of the CDC’s latest isolation guidance did not go unheard by Walensky.
CNET has reached out to the CDC and Delta Air Lines for comment.
Also Check: Kaiser Porter Ranch Flu Shots