Update: Flu Cases Surges To High Levels In Alabama

Alabama Influenza Update:

The death of 11-year-old Jace Watkins of Hueytown after a weeklong battle with the flu has peaked public concern over the severity of the ongoing flu season.

Holiday get togethers typically spike the number of flu cases in Alabama and across the U.S. and this year is no different. Last week Alabama was at a "Moderate" level for influenza. This week the state has doubled last week's reported number of cases, leading to the state being classified now as at a "High" level.

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Neighbouring Georgia and Tennessee are both now classified as having “very high” activity levels and Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) does rule out Alabama reaching that plateau.

What is concerning medical personnel most is a new variant of the influenza virus that has earned the nickname “super flu.” Much of the concern is with the spread of subclade K, a subtype of influenza A. Similar subtypes have historically caused more hospitalizations and deaths than other strains. Doctors warn that this variant spreads rapidly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alabama now sits at a level 10 out of 13 for flu activity, which is what placed our state in the “high” activity category. The number of hospital visits for influenza rose by more than four percent to 6.7%. That is a significant number by medical standards and that number is continuing to rise.

The CDC advises that it is still not too late to be vaccinated. They recommend that everyone 6 months and older get an annual vaccination. About 42% of U.S. adults and 41% of children have received flu shots this season, according to CDC data.

"Each year, respiratory illnesses lead to significant hospitalizations and complications, particularly among young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions," State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said in a press release. "Getting vaccinated not only reduces your risk of becoming ill, but it also protects your family and community during the respiratory illness season."

Besides vaccination, medical experts suggest taking Tamiflu - which is effective against subclade K.

ADPH recommends the follow actions, in addition to flu shots, to limit vulnerability to the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Stay home if you are sick to prevent spreading illness to others.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Avoid touching your face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.

We are not close to the peak of the flu season yet, that comes in mid to late February historically.

Tuscaloosa Thread will continue to update the impact of this flu season.