Regional influenza activity observed in the WV, rates still lower than those of last year | New

CLARKSBURG – According to health professionals, the flu season is underway in West Virginia, but their numbers remain lower than last year.

West Virginia continues to experience a "regional" activity and has not yet reached the "generalized" designation of the Centers for Disease and Prevention, as the state last year, according to Dr. Mark Povroznik, Chair of the Infection Control Committee and Vice President of Quality at United Hospital Center.

"Although the season is not over, influenza activity has decreased since the first wave observed in late December. The pattern of positive tests for influenza followed the same pattern (up to now) as that of the 2017-18 season. However, the overall impact recorded at UHC is much lower, "he said.

According to CDC surveillance data for the week ending Feb. 2, West Virginia was one of only three states in the country – and the only one in the continental United States – to experience no influenza activity extended.

"Currently, the counties of central, western and northwestern states have the highest rates of (flu-like illness), but remain lower than those of the year last, "said Mr Povroznik.

So far this season, 53 patients who had a positive test for the flu at UHC were hospitalized. Of these, 80% were adults and 20% children, he said.

"The vast majority of influenza cases were of type A / H1 and type A / H3. Type B cases are beginning to appear in this state, "he said.

Nevertheless, according to the CDC, the percentage of patients with a flu-like syndrome is much higher than average in outpatient clinics of the state.

The proportion of outpatient visits for an influenza-like illness increased from 3.8% to 4.3% during the week ending February 2nd, compared with 3.8% the previous week. This figure is above the national baseline of 2.2%, but remains well below the levels of last year's influenza season, which peaked with 7.5% of outpatient visits for a disease resembling influenza, according to the CDC.

According to Povroznik, a number of viruses producing flu-like symptoms also tend to circulate during the flu season.

As in the past year, there has been an increase in the number of adult patients with HUS with Respiratory Syncytial Virus, commonly known as RSV, requiring hospitalization. Up to now, 46 patients who achieved a positive result for RSV had to be admitted. Of these, 32% were adults, said Povroznik.

"Currently, coronavirus, rhinovirus / enterovirus, influenza A and RSV make up the majority of positive tests," said Povroznik.

According to Allison Adler, director of communications at the Department of Health and Human Resources of West Virginia, flu shots are the first step in influenza prevention.

"Take antiviral medicines for treatment if your doctor prescribes them," she said.

Protection against influenza and flu-like illnesses can also be achieved by washing one's hands frequently, avoiding sick people, staying home when one is sick, and covering one's mouth with coughing. she declared.