While recent weeks have seen an increase in influenza cases across the state prompting some school systems to close to combat the spread of the virus, state health officials say the rise in cases is not out of the ordinary.
“We have seen an increase in seasonal flu activity across the state in recent weeks, which is not unusual for this time of year,” said Bill Christian, Associate Director of Communication and Media Relations for the Tennessee Department of Health. “January and February are the months when Tennessee typically sees the most seasonal flu cases.”
The Tennessee Department of Health is continuing to monitor cases of influenza, as is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to a report from the CDC, the agency is noting a rise in “influenza-like illness” (dubbed ILI by the CDC) across the country. The CDC also stated the number of out-patient visits to health care providers is “above the national baseline.”
As of Feb. 4, the CDC classified 23 states as having “high” influenza-like illness rates. Tennessee was one of those states, as were neighboring Virginia and North Carolina. Most of the southern states appeared in the “high” ILI activity classification except for Florida and Kentucky, who were both noted as having “moderate” ILI activity by the CDC.
Though flu cases are on the rise and the season is hitting its peak, Christian said residents can still take steps to protect themselves from the illness.
“It’s not too late to get a flu vaccine to be protected through the rest of this flu season, and we urge anyone who hasn’t already gotten a flu vaccine this year to do so as soon as possible,” Christian aid. “Many of our county health department clinics are now providing flu vaccines at no charge to patients, and vaccines are widely available from a number of other providers in the community.”
In addition to getting a flu vaccine, Christian said it is also important for the public to practice good health habits to help prevent the spread of flu and other viruses that circulate this time of year.
“Good health habits include frequent hand washing with soapy water or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and covering coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue,” Christian said. “People who are sick should stay home to recover and to prevent spreading the illness to co-workers, classmates, friends, and others.”
Christian recommends those seeking more information on the importance of the flu vaccine visit the Department of Health website at http://tn.gov/health/news/47632 and the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/index.html.