Flu season has begun in earnest—have you gotten your flu shot, yet? According to the Centers for Disease Control "most of the country" is now experiencing "high levels of influenza-like-illness" at levels "nearing what have been peak levels of ILI during moderately severe seasons in the past." And of course the highest activity is being reported in "twenty-nine states and New York City." At least the CDC knows New York City is essentially its own State.
“While we can’t say for certain how severe this season will be, we can say that a lot of people are getting sick with influenza and we are getting reports of severe illness and hospitalizations,” Dr. Joe Bresee, Chief of the Epidemiology and Prevention Branch in CDC’s Influenza Division, said. Though not everyone agrees, Bresee insists, "Anyone who has not already been vaccinated should do so now."
Right now cumulative influenza hospitalization rates nationally are 8.1 per 100,000 people, which according to the CDC's Bresee is "high for this time of year." Anecdotal evidence at local hospitals also show a busier than usual season. "It's been pretty busy," Dr. Jennifer Stratton of St. Luke's Roosevelt told WABC last week. "There have been a lot of patients here. I've heard by some, it's been the busiest season in years."
Which is why the CDC and doctors recommend that you get your flu shots now and be aware of antiviral medications if you do in fact get sick. Because seriously, unchecked the flu actually can be deadly. And it really doesn't need to be.
