Infectious Strain of Flu Hits Area Hard
This year the flu is peaking early and intensely. It’s one of the most active seasons in decades, and a nasty strain is going around. Area hospitals are at capacity and pharmacies are scrambling to stock medicine. In Jefferson County last week, almost five percent of hospital visits were for flu or flu-like illness. For the same week last year, that was just more than one percent, according to the Jefferson County Department of Health.
“This is probably the busiest we’ve been during the flu season,” UAB medical epidemiologist Bernard Camins says.
The hospital is juggling staff and trying to find space to handle patient overflow.
“You actually use areas in the hospital that are not normally used for inpatient care,” says Camins. “But we still keep them isolated, so we don’t spread it.”
UAB is canceling elective surgeries through Monday, too.
Camins says the current H3N2 flu strain is very infectious. And the recent cold weather drove people inside to crowded spaces, so it spread fast. Plus the latest flu vaccine is not especially effective against this strain. Now area pharmacists are scrambling to stock Tamiflu and other medicines.
But, Camins says, “The good news is that this particular strain is very sensitive to Tamiflu, so it would work.”
That’s if you take it within 48 hours of your first symptoms. Experts also say it’s still worth getting vaccinated because you could be the one out of 10 people for whom it offers protection, or you might get some partial protection. And there could be another flu peak later this season.
Dr. Camins and others say avoid hospitals and urgent care unless you have severe symptoms like trouble breathing. They say if you have typical flu symptoms – aches, cough, sneezing, chills – stay home. Get medical advice if you’re not sure. And as always, wash your hands.
What kind of support is the U.S. offering in the wake of the Myanmar quake?
The White House and former USAID staff have differing views on the nature of the U.S. response to the earthquake that struck Myanmar and neighboring countries.
Thyme for some healing soup recipes from around the world
Every culture has its own special soup. The belief is that a bowl will make you feel better if you're feeling under the weather, hung over or just in need of a pick-me-up.
Cory Booker’s anti-Trump speech on the Senate floor has lasted 15 hours and counting
The New Jersey Democrat has been criticizing the Trump administration's policies on immigration, education, the economy and more since 7 p.m. Monday. Here's what to know about his marathon speech.
Caregiving can test you, body and soul. It can also unlock a new sense of self
Helping a sick family member over months or years can be an enormous strain. It can also disrupt your identity. Psychologists say embracing this change can open up new ways for caregivers to cope.
Alabama can’t prosecute groups who help women travel to get an abortion, federal judge says
U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson sided with an abortion fund and medical providers who sued Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall after he suggested they could face prosecution under anti-conspiracy laws.
Crumbling trust in American institutions: A MAHA activist takes on Girl Scout cookies
A controversial study raised the specter that Girl Scout cookies are unsafe. Authorities say they are safe, but the whole saga highlights a breakdown of trust in American institutions.
