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Influenza A, H3N2 Sweeping Area; It's Time to Get Serious About Preventing Spread of Disease

By Julie Perine on January 09, 2018 via Connect-Bridgeport.com

Over the past week, about 300 patients were tested for the flu at United Hospital Center with 35 percent testing positive. Forty patients have been hospitalized for the flu within the last week; 30 in isolation.
 
Do the math.
 
We are in the height of flu season, said Dr. Mark Povroznik, UHC vice president and chief quality officer.
 
“We need to kick in practicing prevention and take this serious. It is so widespread,” he said. “Avoid close contact with sick people and if you have to be around them, put on a mask. And while you are sick, work to limit contact with as many people as possible. This is not the time to run to the grocery store or eat at the buffet bars of the area, allowing this virus to spread.”
 
The flu that is prevalent is Influenza A, H3N2. Povroznik breaks it down, explaining what that means.
 
“There are two main types of influenza and that’s A and B. There is actually a C, but we never really talk about that because the symptoms are much less severe,” he said. “Under each of those types is what we call subtypes – different strains of the flu. Several years ago, the H1N1 hit and we had an outbreak. Though there is a mixture of strains out there, the predominant flu in circulation is the H3N2.”
 
Flu A typically hits first and later in the season, a second smaller peak of Type B usually takes place, Povroznik said.
 
From year to year, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) develops and recommends injectable influenza vaccines to protect against anticipated strains.
 
“There are two vaccines utilized – trivalent and quadrivalent; the trivalent has three strains of the matching flu in it and the quad is a product of four strains. Most of what was given out this year was the quad. That means it covers two Type A strains and two Type B strains,” Povroznik said. “So, when you get the flu shot, you have some protection against four strains. No one knows for sure which one (will be prevalent), but there’s a pattern they go with to decide which ones to put in the vaccine to improve the odds.”
 
Historically, Influenza A/H3N2 does not grow well through the vaccine manufacturing process, meaning that the strain is difficult to prevent through vaccination.
 
“The vaccine is covering H3N2 somewhere around 30-32 percent,” Povroznik said.
 
However, Povroznik is adamant that getting the flu shot is vital and recommended every single year.
 
And here’s why:
 
“Any effectiveness of the vaccine still triggers the immune system – as well as past vaccines you have been given,” he said. “(The vaccine) is not reliable once a year has passed, but past vaccines can offer some early recognition to the immune system. Any recognition is helpful.”
In fact, during years when there is a high death rate of influenza or related complications, it is typically those who did not get vaccinated.
 
Extenuating conditions of the flu include pneumonia – viral or bacterial – or both. When fighting an infection such as pneumonia, chemicals released into the bloodstream can result in Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication which triggers inflammatory responses throughout the body. Ultimately, organs can fail.
 
So, anyone can get sick from the flu, but those who are vaccinated typically develop less severe symptoms.
 
Additionally, getting the flu shot provides protection not only for yourself, but for those around you, especially the elderly, children and those with compromised immune systems, Povroznik said.
 
Those most at risk for H3N2 – or whatever strain of flu is prevalent in any given year – are those over age 65 or under two years old, as well as those with certain underlying medical conditions.
 
“That is those with underlying heart, liver, lung and kidney disease or those who are morbidly obese – with body mass index greater to or equal to 40,” Povroznik said. “Also at risk are those on medications for underlying disease or chemotherapy or those whose immune systems are comprised.”
 
Since the elderly are included in the high-risk group and since Harrison County has a high elderly population, all residents need to be cognizant of that and help minimize the spread, Povroznik said.
 
Last week, some area nursing homes were closed to new admissions due to the flu epidemic. It is imperative that individuals do all they can to help prevent the spread of this disease, he said.
 
 Among symptoms of H3N2 include fever, cough, muscle aches and headaches.
 
“Those are the big ones that really separate it from the common cold, which is also going around now,” Povroznik said.
If experiencing those symptoms, let your physician know and be cognizant of the fact that you are not only contagious, but have been for some time.
 
“People can be contagious with the flu up to 24 hours before they have symptoms,” Povroznik said.
 
Those who do test positive with the flu can be prescribed Tamiflu, but there is a window of time for which it is effective.
 
“The textbook answer is it must be taken within 48 hours, but what the CDC is promoting  is the sooner, the better,” Povroznik said.
 
Tamiflu is available in capsule and liquid form and can be taken by flu victims of all ages. Other than Tamiflu, the best remedy is rest and consumption of plenty of fluids.
 
And Povroznik cannot stress it enough: Stay away from others. That includes visiting others in their homes or in the hospital. If you’ve been exposed to the flu or if the person you are visiting has been diagnosed or exposed, think twice about that visit. And if you must make that visit, wear a mask. They are available at the nurses’ stations and front counter of UHC.
 
Everyone should have a game plan to put into effect should they become sick with the flu. Have someone in mind who could make grocery or pharmacy runs for you. Stay stocked up on essentials, including groceries and medications.
 
If you’re otherwise healthy, monitor your symptoms and if you don’t get worse and you’re able to manage yourself at home, get plenty of rest and take in fluids;
 
If you have risk factors, such as asthma or lung disease, monitor your breathing, taking note if it is becoming harder to breathe. Make sure inhalers or nebulizers are readily available. If you have an underlying condition of diabetes, check levels more frequently, making sure they are not getting out of control; keeping primary care provider advised of any changes.
 
Preventive measures to always be practiced:
  • Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing; using tissue and immediately discarding or using the elbow/sleeve to prevent spread of droplets in the air. Those particles can travel some distance, Povroznik said.
  • Wash hands often. Soap and water are best, but don’t discount he benefit of alcohol wipes, which can easily be carried in the pocket or purse. Wipe T-zone: across eyes, nose and mouth, keeping germs from entering those mucus membranes. The bottom line: Practice good hygiene and make it a habit.
  • Clean home and work areas often as germs can remain on surfaces up to 48 hours. Especially if someone is sick, wipe down countertops, door knobs, telephones, remote controls, etc. 


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