By: Jurge Cruz-Alvarez
Douglas County has had 2,851 confirmed influenza cases as of Feb. 14 according to records by the Douglas County Health Department (DCHD). Douglas County has also experienced nine adult flu deaths and one pediatric death—pediatric being defined as the death of someone less than 18 years old.
While the seasonal influenza virus can be present throughout the year in the US, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that the yearly flu season typically begins when cases increase during the month of October and begin lessening in the final days of May.
Seasonal flu is seen by many as a common illness, and the severity of it may not be seen as very high in the minds of the general public because of that. CNBC reports that some common misconceptions from the public include a belief that the vaccine may give them the flu or that they don’t need the vaccination because they are “young and healthy.”
“Every year, influenza kills people who were previously young and healthy,” says Dr. Anne L. O’Keefe, Senior Epidemiologist at DCHD. “Most children who die from the flu had not gotten the flu shot and half of them were previously healthy.”
Seasonal flu is very contagious and if passed along to someone who is not as healthy or of elder age, they could be at higher risk of illness or even death. Symptoms of the flu could take up to four days to appear, which means one can pass on the virus to someone else before even they know they have contracted it.
O’Keefe also says that this year’s number of confirmed cases is almost the same number as reported last season. According to her, one of the most common reported strains of influenza, Influenza A, is also the strain that causes a more severe illness. It’s one of the most reported likely to its effects causing people to go see their healthcare provider, she says.
“Every season is different because the nature of influenza viruses is to slightly mutate constantly in order to get around population immunity. This is also the reason flu vaccination is needed every year,” O’Keefe said.
While we are almost through this current flu season, the latest vaccine can still be administered. For those who don’t have medical insurance and need the vaccine, community health centers across the United States and in Douglas County offer free to low-cost health care. UNO students can also get their flu shot at a low cost by visiting the UNO Health Center.
