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INDIANAPOLIS – At the same time last year, flu was steadily declining in Indiana, but health officials say it is likely that this winter's influenza season is reaching its peak , a recent wave of diseases causing a more serious flu has kept the official alert.
The flu was reportedly spread in 48 states last week, up from 49, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Friday in its latest report on the flu season.
Of the 48 states reporting extensive activity, 20, including Indiana, reported high activity.
According to the latest influenza weekly report published by the Indiana Department of Public Health, activity was intense in the state and the geographical spread was extensive.
As of March 2, there have been 53 influenza-related deaths in this state, including five in Lake, Monroe and Marion Counties. 13 long-term epidemics in health facilities and three epidemics at the school-wide this season, according to IDPH.
According to the CDC, 26.3 million people were hospitalized and 347,000 people were hospitalized between October and March 2 in the country, with 26.3 million influenza-like illnesses, 12.4 million medical visits.
CDC flu forecasters estimate that the flu season has had a 90 percent chance of reaching its peak this year, but it is far from over.
But experts are also monitoring the increase in the number of illnesses caused by a type of influenza virus that tends to cause more hospitalizations and deaths, especially among the elderly.
It is not unusual for many influenza strains to spread in the country at the same time, but one type usually predominates.
This season, a less severe strain was the most common cause of influenza. But over the past two weeks, more diseases have been linked to a strain that tends to cause more deaths.
Last week, about 60% of the influenza virus samples tested were the most problematic strain known as H3N2 type A.
Last week, eight more influenza-related pediatric deaths were also reported to the CDC, bringing the total to 64 flu-related deaths for the season.
The CDC expects influenza activity to remain high for several weeks, possibly until May, and said that an annual flu shot was the best way to protect yourself against the flu and its potentially serious complications.
Uncertainty about the type of H3N2 virus that will spread later this year has recently led the World Health Organization to postpone its decision as to which strains should be included in the influenza vaccine for next season .
Last season, about 80,000 Americans died of the flu and its complications, the largest number of deaths in at least four decades. According to the CDC, in recent years, the number of deaths related to influenza has ranged from 12,000 to 56,000.
But while the disease was more deadly last year (336 deaths were recorded in Indiana), it apparently caused more illness this year. At the state level, patients with influenza symptoms accounted for a higher percentage of emergency room visits than at any time during the influenza season, reports the IDPH.
One reason may be that while this season's vaccine is effective against H1N1, it is only 44% effective against H3N2, according to the CDC.
CDC officials estimate that there have been about 20,000 to 30,000 influenza-related deaths so far this winter. Nine children died of influenza-related illnesses last week, bringing the total for the season to 64. And the actual number is probably much higher as not all influenza-related deaths are detected or reported, according to the CDC. .
In Indiana, there were only two influenza-related pediatric deaths in 2019, but the rate of flu-related emergency room visits for ages 5 to 17 was highest. of all age groups, at 8.6%.
According to national authorities, about 300,000 influenza-related hospitalizations and about 25 million influenza cases were recorded this season.
Restrictions in effect in hospitals
MICHIGAN CITY – Although the flu appears late in the season, the increase in the number of influenza cases in northwestern Indiana has resulted in new restrictions on the number of visitors to Franciscan Health hospitals, including Michigan City.
In order to prevent the spread of influenza, restrictions on visitors have been put in place at Crown Crown, Hammond, Dyer, Michigan City and Munster.
The signs at the new hospital warn that:
n No more than two visitors at a time are allowed per room
n No children under 16 years old are allowed
n In Crown Point, visits to the NICU will be limited to parents or grandparents who have received proof of flu vaccination at least two weeks ago, while visitors to the birth unit are limited two adults and two siblings.
While these restrictions may be a disadvantage, they are necessary for patient safety, according to Chris Shakula, Infection Prevention Specialist at Franciscan Health Crown Point. "If people are sick, they should not be visiting."
In addition, hospital staff take other precautions, he said. Any employee unable to receive the flu vaccine must use a mask. Patients with cough or other respiratory symptoms should be masked when they are admitted or when they leave their room. Magazines are removed from waiting rooms because of the risk of transmitting infections.
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