Local flu activity has been minimal so far, but the worst may not yet come | Local news

Local hospitals have reported minimal influenza activity so far this season, but local health experts have warned that infection rates will not be as low as last year.

“It will be clear over time whether it is as bad as the 19 times before COVID. Is it worse than 2020-2021? Arlock, an infectious disease expert at Keane’s Chesher Medical Center. Dr. Kore said in an email.

As this year’s influenza season gets tougher (possibly due to inadequate vaccination rates, more virulent strains, or both), emergency departments and intensive care units have both influenza and COVID-19 patients. May be further taxed.

Also, as New Hampshire is working on the highest percentage of new COVID-19 cases to date, regional hospitals are already thin, shifting staff, canceling non-urgent procedures, and moving patients out of state. I will send it out.

Last year, the country helped reduce stress in medical facilities by minimizing influenza transmission due to mask obligations, distance learning and work, and other safety protocols.

However, according to local experts, influenza activity could be even higher as many of these precautions have disappeared this year.

Influenza circulates most commonly from late fall to early spring, but like COVID-19 infections, it spreads when in close contact with other people infected with the virus and inhaling airborne droplets. It’s an infection.

At Chescher Medical, Kore said Monday that a Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health affiliate had seen only one flu inpatient so far. This is less than the typical flu season.

And as of Wednesday, Peter Barra’s Monad Knock Community Hospital hadn’t seen any inpatients with the flu yet, said Claudia Cleary, an infection preventer there.

“During the normal flu season, we would have seen several flu inpatients by this time,” she said in an email.

Cleary said there was an “influx” of people wearing masks in the community. This may contribute to such low rates.

According to the latest report, there are signs of influenza in New Hampshire data Obtained from the NH Department of Health and Welfare.

If people continue to wear face masks in public, wash their hands properly, and get vaccinated against the flu, the case rate is probably higher than the current number, but probably remains relatively low. The house says.

“We expect more influenza activity this year. [than] Last year there was less influenza activity than in the pre-Covid years, “Clary said.

The onset of influenza begins suddenly, with skeletal muscle, severe coughing, and marked malaise.

Some COVID-19 symptoms are very similar, such as fever, chills, shortness of breath, and muscle and body aches. However, the loss of taste and odor is unique to COVID-19.

Both influenza and COVID-19 show varying degrees of symptoms, from none to severe. However, the death toll of COVID-19 is much higher, and the long-term effects of the disease are not yet known.

According to Khole, mild flu symptoms can usually be treated at home, but it is advisable to have a COVID-19 test in case of emergency.

For more serious symptoms such as shortness of breath and high fever, he said he should contact his GP or local walk-in clinic for guidance.

Influenza and COVID-19 can develop at the same time, and it is unclear whether people with influenza are susceptible to COVID-19.

According to experts, vaccination against both viral diseases is the best way to prevent severe infections.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people over 6 months be vaccinated against the flu by the end of October, but immunization is beneficial even after the season is in full swing. ..

The CDC states that people need to be vaccinated as soon as possible, as the flu vaccine can take up to two weeks to take effect.

Influenza vaccines are often available free of charge in pharmacies and clinics, and influenza strains are constantly evolving and change slightly each year.

The CDC recommends one of two different injectable vaccines or nasal vaccination this year, stating that with rare exceptions, anyone over 6 months should be vaccinated. I am.

If someone has already been vaccinated against COVID-19, it is safe to be vaccinated against the flu.

And if you haven’t been vaccinated against the new coronavirus yet, Kore said you could get both vaccinations at once, but it’s probably on a different arm.

“… the population will be more vulnerable this year, given the lack of rigorous mitigation measures like last year and the fact that not many individuals were infected with the flu last year,” he said. .. “So let’s shoot, just as we say about COVID-19 vaccination. That’s the best defense.”

Contact your GP or local pharmacy to schedule a flu shot. For more information on booking the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit: Vaccine.nh.gov Alternatively, call the state hotline 2-1-1.