2017 – 2018 Flu Season: How Bad Is It?
The United States isn’t experiencing the average flu season. Americans are suffering from one of the most severe flu seasons ever reported in U.S. history. The entire continental U.S. shows widespread activity at this point and experts are saying the country isn’t ready for a severe epidemic
In the state of Arizona alone, reported cases of influenza are up 758% compared to this time last year. In December of 2016, 347 cases of the flu were reported in Arizona compared to the 2,976 cases that have been published in December of 2017.
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates up to 646,000 people die around the world each year due to influenza and other related illnesses. Those who are most vulnerable to the flu are of the age 65 and older. So far this season, there have been 20 child fatalities caused by influenza this flu season.
The flu season typically lasts from December until May, peaking between December and February. With the flu season being six months long, there is a lot more time for the influenza virus to spread before it eventually dies out. The H3N2 strain is the predominant version this season. This version of the influenza is known for its severity and the ability to evade the protection provided by the vaccination. This virus has sent more people to the doctor within the first week of January than it has in the recent past.
Although this flu season doesn’t compare to the 2014-2015 flu season, hospitals are under a significant amount of stress. Hospitals aren’t just treating the flu; they also have their regular outbreaks that come with the Winter season. Every year, there are shortages of influenza fighting drugs as well as specific saline solutions. The lack of saline solution seems to be an even more significant issue this flu season because 40 percent of the saline supply is manufactured within Puerto Rico, the U.S. territory that was devasted by Hurricane Maria. These concerns have been raised in the past, but are continuously ignored by public officials.
This flu season is not something to take lightly. By the end of the season, it is predicted to be within the top 3 worst years the U.S. has seen. Experts are saying it is not too late to get your flu shot for the year. Be sure to take care of yourself and your family.
References:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-01-16/think-flu-season-is-bad-it-might-get-even-worse
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/flu-stresses-hospitals-shows-we-re-not-ready-emergencies-n838086
https://fortune.com/2017/12/21/2017-2018-flu-season/
https://www.newsweek.com/flu-season-2017-influenza-now-widespread-12-states-including-new-york-and-749737