Flu season heats up

Hospital emergency rooms could be called a “pit of misery,” to quote a TV beer commercial, with people hacking and coughing, holding their heads in their hands and thinking they have to die to get better.

The bad news is that the flu bug hasn’t really started chomping on patients yet.

“There’s not an increase in the flu in our ER,” said Steve Jenkins with Florida Hospital Waterman. “It’s influenza-like illness.”

Leesburg Regional Medical Center also says it has not experienced unusual activity.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, however, notes that flu and flu-like activity is steadily increasing. In Florida, the number of cases have especially picked up in neighboring Volusia and Seminole counties.

“Activity among children aged under 18 years increased notably and was well above levels observed during the previous two flu seasons at this time.”

All regions are seeing RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus. The virus is occurring at a higher rate than past years. RSV has some of the same symptoms of cold or flu, such as runny nose or cough. It is a common childhood ailment. In children younger than 1 year old, it can cause pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

Flu symptoms are different somewhat from the common cold, according to WebMD.com. Unlike a cold, symptoms may show up immediately and you might have a fever. Signs include severe aches and pain; pain and “tiredness around the eyes;” weakness and fatigue; warm, flushed skin; watery eyes; headache; sore throat; runny nose and a dry cough.

The CDC said the incidence of flu is increasing but remains below the national baseline. Four states reported widespread flu by the end of Nov. 25: Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Massachusetts.

“As in Florida, influenza A (H3) has been the most common influenza subtype reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”

Health experts say flu vaccinations are safe and the best way to keep from getting sick. Strains of influenza keep changing, but even if you get sick after getting a flu shot the effect is lessened. Recent studies show children who die of influenza are likely the ones who were not vaccinated.

The state recently reported its first pediatric flu-related death. The child was not vaccinated.

“We are saddened to lose even one life due to flu-related illnesses," said Florida Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. Celeste Philip in a press release. “Although most people regard flu as a minimal threat, Floridians should take the flu infection seriously as it can cause severe illnesses, even death, in some cases. Flu season is already in full swing, but it is not too late to get your flu shot — which is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.”

The worst of the flu season runs from December through February.

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends annual vaccination with either the inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) or recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV) for everyone six months and older.

People should consult their doctor, the county health department or visit FluFreeFlorida.com for more information.

The state Health Department also recommends frequent and thorough hand-washing, coughing or sneezing into a tissue or elbow, disinfecting surfaces at work and taking other steps to prevent illness, including avoiding touching your face.

If sick, antiviral treatment should be administered as soon as possible for those at higher risk for complications: children younger than 2, adults older than 65, pregnant women, and those with underlying medical conditions. Treatment should be administered within 48 hours, according to the CDC.