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CHARLESTON – Nearly two months after the start of the 2018-1919 influenza season, a public health official said that activity for the disease had been "minimal" so far.
"The percentage of flu-like illnesses seen in patients and the number of positive tests for influenza have been low," said Lauren Spadafora, influenza coordinator at the Department of Health and Human Resources of the state.
One of the ways the government monitors influenza activity is to assess the percentage of patients with flu-like symptoms in various health care providers across the state. These symptoms include a high fever accompanied by a sore throat or a cough.
Spadafora said that this percentage was less than 2% so far.
"It's in the low region," she says. "I would say we're not in peak season based on the data."
The National Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services publishes information on influenza cases on its website, https://oeps.wv.gov.
The flu season peaks from year to year, even though it is usually winter, Spadafora said. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no way to predict the severity of the influenza season.
"It is therefore important that all eligible people are vaccinated against the flu," she said.
Last year, two West Virginians aged 17 or younger died of the flu. The state follows the deaths of children, but not those of older patients, she said.
"We have not had any (pediatric deaths) this season," she said. "And it was noted that (the last) season was one of the worst in terms of pediatric deaths nationwide."
The CDC recommends annual flu shots for all people over 6 months of age. Although a nasal spray option has not been recommended for the two previous influenza seasons, the CDC recommends it as an option this year, with one injection.
"They have no preference for the nasal spray compared to another vaccine," she said.
In addition to influenza vaccines, the CDC recommends preventative measures such as staying home when you are sick, avoiding close contact with sick people, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, washing your hands and take anti-viral medications if your doctor prescribes them. .
While influenza activity has so far been low, the Kanawha-Charleston Department of Health and the Putnam County Health Department are recommending that people take preventive measures before and during the holidays.
KCHD spokesman John Law said it was because many people would travel, which could expose them to different strains of the flu.
"If you live in Charleston or West Virginia, you can benefit from a little herd immunity (here) because you are often surrounded by the same people," Law said. "You may not be as likely to get it, but if you travel, you may be exposed to a different voltage if you are surrounded by different people."
The effectiveness of influenza vaccines takes about two weeks and health officials recommend buying one each year, as they vary depending on the strains of the circulating virus.
The Cabell-Huntington Health Department recommends influenza vaccine to anyone over 6 months of age. According to county health officials, the vaccine is expected to be plentiful this year, with no shortage.
Influenza vaccines are available at the Department of Health, 703 7th Ave. in Huntington, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Mondays and from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuesday to Friday. Those with Internet access can print and complete the registration form in advance at www.cabellhealth.org.
Vaccines are also available in pharmacies in the region and other health care providers.
Call the Influenza Information Hotline at 304-526-3397 for more information.
The Herald-Dispatch contributed to this story.
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