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2017 Influenza Update
By Dr. Kenneth Dietrich
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As I am sure everyone in Grays Harbor County is aware, we are in the midst of an Influenza epidemic. This season seems to be much more serious than prior years. Many people have been infected with the virus already and many more will be over the next few months. Unfortunately, Influenza has already caused many deaths in Washington State this year.
The number of patients seeking care has overwhelmed our clinics, emergency rooms and hospitals. The current situation has resulted in many questions regarding Influenza. So, we thought we would address a few:
What is Influenza?
Influenza is a virus that causes severe systemic illness. It is seasonal and occurs each year. There are many different strains of the virus, which prevents permanent immunity after being immunized or infected. Therefore, humans can contract the disease every year.
Influenza is not the “flu.” People often use the “flu” to describe upper respiratory track infections, gastroenteritis, sore throats, and other common viral illnesses. These infections are caused by a large variety of viruses, but are not caused by the Influenza virus. The Influenza virus is much more aggressive. It often affects multiple organs and systems, causing systemic symptoms (see below). Anyone may contract the disease, and young children and older adults are most susceptible.
With patient volumes skyrocketing in all healthcare facilities, is it safer to stay home or sit in a lobby with a bunch of other sick people for hours?
Hospitals and healthcare clinics are always filled with sick people. With our current Influenza epidemic, many of the people will be actively infected and contagious with the Influenza virus. Therefore, the best way to protect yourself from contracting Influenza is to stay away from these areas if at all possible.
What can healthcare providers really do for people who are exhibiting Influenza symptoms?
Direct treatment for Influenza is very limited. There is evidence that treatment with an antiviral drug can help reduce the severity and length of symptoms resulting from Influenza. Unfortunately, these benefits only occur if the drug is started within the first two days of illness. This becomes problematic because most people who contract Influenza either have limited symptoms during that the first 48 hours and thus do not seek medical attention early enough for treatment to be beneficial. After the first two days of illness all other therapy options are directed toward treating the symptoms that result from the infection.
How effective has the Influenza vaccine been?
Influenza vaccination is the best option to prevent contracting Influenza and reducing its severity if contracted. Because different strains of the virus emerge each year, the vaccine is not 100-percent effective. However, the risk of contracting the disease without the vaccine is much, much greater. Most of the people who have contracted Influenza this year have not been immunized. And generally, those who were immunized and contracted Influenza have had much less severe courses.
If someone hasn’t already had a flu shot, is it too late?
No, it is not too late to benefit from the Influenza vaccine. It takes approximately two weeks to reach full immunity after receiving the vaccine. The Influenza season will continue for another two to three months. In fact, it has not yet reached its seasonal peak. Therefore, for those who have not been immunized the vaccine still offers the best way to reduce one’s risk of contracting Influenza this year.
Additional information can be found on the Washington State Department of Health website, www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/IllnessandDisease/Flu
Dr. Kenneth Dietrich is the chief medical officer at Summit Pacific Medical Center in Elma.
