Tennessee is among 25 other states to report a high seasonal flu outbreak, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC has reported that more than half the country has reported a widespread outbreak. Widespread defines the geographical spread of the flu, rather than the severity. It means that more than 50 percent of the geographic regions in a state have reported flu activity.
Tennessee is currently described as a regional outbreak; however, the virus is spreading quickly across the state.
“People at high risk for influenza A and B should receive vaccinations each year. People at high risk include those who have chronic heart and respiratory conditions, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, anemia or conditions that decrease immunity. Other individuals who work closely with persons at high risk should also receive this vaccine. Also individuals who live and work in crowded communities (such as college campuses) are at increased risk of contracting and spreading influenza and should consider vaccination,” according to the UTM Student Health and Counseling Services website.
January and February are typically the months with the greatest peak in flu activity. The CDC says it has been a typical flu season with only one exception. This season’s most prevalent virus is the H1N1 flu strain that caused the pandemic in 2009.
According to weather.com, Bruce Hirsch, M.D., an infectious disease specialist in New York, says “this season — unlike few others — we’re seeing this H1N1 flu cause viral pneumonia in and of itself and causing an occasionally fatal flu in young adults who would not be otherwise vulnerable.”
Symptoms of H1N1 are nearly identical to those of ordinary influenza: fever of 100 degrees of higher, body aches, coughing, runny noses, nausea and vomiting or diarrhea. Medical officials are urging the public to get vaccinated. Although the flu is common, it can quickly become deadly.
The H1N1 strain has been included in this year’s flu vaccine. A vaccination could be the difference between life and death.
According to the CDC website, there are several preventative measures that can be taken to safeguard against the flu including receiving the flu vaccination. The CDC says this is “the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease.” Another recommendation is to stay away from sick people and to also wash hands regularly. The CDC says that those who either have been diagnosed with the flu or believe they have it should stay home from work or school to prevent spreading the virus to others.
SHCS can provide students and faculty the vaccine for $20. For more information on the outbreak or to schedule an appointment, call SCHS at 731-881-7750.
