Breaking News: The 2019-2020 season is well underway, but flu activity has “declined slightly.” (see below)
Flu season started early this year.
The 2019-20 Flu Season Update
That’s not the only surprise though. We are seeing a lot of flu B, which is also unusual for the beginning of flu season.
And we are already seeing quite a few pediatric deaths – 39 so far this season.
But none of this should really be a surprise – it’s flu season, which is always unpredictable.
“It’s not too late to get vaccinated. Flu vaccination is always the best way to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications.”
Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report
Some things to know to about this year’s flu season include that:
- the most active flu B virus strains belong to a sublade that was not in the flu vaccine, but is similar enough that getting vaccinated should offer protection
- again, it is never too late to get a flu vaccine. Remember, a yearly flu vaccine is recommended for everyone without a contraindication who is at least six months old, with younger children getting two doses during their first season.
- anti-viral flu medications (Tamiflu, Relenza, and Xofluza) are available, but are mainly recommended for those who are at high risk for serious flu complications, including young children (under 2 to 5 years of age), pregnant women, seniors, and those with chronic medical conditions, like asthma and diabetes, etc.
- most people do not need a flu test, as it is possible to have a negative flu test and still have the flu (false positive test) and most people don’t need to be treated with anti-viral flu medications
- if you get the flu, avoid others and seek medical attention if you develop any serious, emergency warning signs, like trouble breathing, dehydration, or confusion, etc.
- people with the flu can generally return to school or work once they are fever free for at least 24 hours
And let’s hope we don’t see any other surprises this year…
More on the The 2019-20 Flu Season Update
- I’m Not Anti-Vaccine, I Just Don’t Believe in Flu Shots
- What Makes the Flu So Deadly?
- Updated Recommendations to Prevent and Control the Flu from the CDC
- What Are the Benefits of the Flu Shot?
- What Are the Side Effects of the Flu Vaccine?
- Do They Really Just Guess at Which Strain to Put in the Flu Vaccine?
- Does Getting a Flu Vaccine Increase Your Risk of Spreading the Flu or Getting Others Sick?
- How Long Does It Take for the Flu Vaccine to Start Working
- What Makes the Flu So Deadly?
- Does the flu shot contain a vaginal spermicide?
- Can Flu Shots Cause the Flu?
- CDC – Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2019-2020 Season
- CDC – Flu Treatment
- CDC – Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report
- Family Stories – Families Fighting Flu
- MMWR – Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2019–20 Influenza Season
- CDC – Influenza ACIP Vaccine Recommendations
- Ask the Experts about Influenza Vaccines