Louisiana Flu Season Update

By: Stacy Hall, LDH Immunization Program Director & Frank J. Welch MD, MSPH – Medical Director OPH-BCP

Louisiana has had an intense flu season, with two strains of the flu, B/Victoria and A(H1N1) being responsible for most reported illnesses in the U.S. In early August, we first started seeing cases of the B/Victoria strain. It was this strain that caused Louisiana to have widespread flu activity for most of the flu season. Now, we are seeing less of that strain, but more of the A (H1N1) strain. This is the case in throughout the U.S. as well as in Louisiana. Therefore, we’re worried that Louisiana may experience another influenza peak.
 
This season’s vaccine contains these two major circulating strains, so getting vaccinated for the flu offers the best protection. Getting vaccinated reduces the severity of illness and complications. This means there’s less chance a person with flu would be hospitalized, or if hospitalized less chance a person would go to the ICU.
 
The vaccine also protects those around you, including young children and older adults, who are at higher risk of developing severe flu illness or even death.
 
Vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older, except those with a medical reason not to be vaccinated. Pregnant women should be vaccinated to protect themselves and their babies. Family and friends should be vaccinated to protect newborn babies.
 
Vaccines are available at any parish health unit throughout flu season at no cost to the patient. Local pharmacies, clinics, doctors’ offices and federally qualified (community) health centers also will offer flu shots throughout the season. Check FighttheFlu for a flu shot provider near you.
 
This season's flu vaccine offers protection against 2 A and 2 B strains of influenza virus. Early data suggests the vaccine has been a very good match with the current A (H1N1). However, it has not been as effective against the B/Victoria strain. Even if the B strain is not well matched this year, it still offers some protection, especially from more serious illness. 
 
The Louisiana Department of Health offers these reminders to help keep people from spreading the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you have cold symptoms or have a fever greater than 100.3, stay away from others until you have not had a fever for 24 hours. 
• Call your doctor immediately to see if an antiviral medication is appropriate for you.  
• If you are sick, do not visit vulnerable loved ones who may be receiving care in a hospital, nursing home, cancer center or other settings.
• If you are sick, do not kiss babies, pregnant women, grandparents and others who may be at a higher risk of getting sick. 
• Cover your cough and sneeze. 
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth. 
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
  

 
​Flu shot facts
A flu vaccine is the first and best way to reduce your chances of getting the flu and spreading it to others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Louisiana Department of Health recommend a yearly flu shot for everyone over 6 months of age who does not have a complicating condition, such as a prior allergic reaction to the flu shot.   

• A flu shot is especially crucial for people who may be at higher risk for serious complications. This includes babies and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions and people 65 years and older. 
  
• The flu shot is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, who can pass on antibodies to their babies that will help protect them.
  
• The flu vaccine cannot cause flu. The vaccines either contain inactivated virus, meaning the viruses are no longer infectious, or a particle designed to look like a flu virus to your immune system. While the nasal spray flu vaccine does contain a live virus, the viruses are changed so that they cannot give you the flu.
  
• Like any medical product, vaccines can cause side effects. Side effects of the flu vaccine are generally mild and go away on their own within a few days. 
  
• The flu shot starts to offer partial protection immediately but takes about two weeks to offer full protection.