Lafayette Ranks # 3 For Influenza Activity As More People Gather and Fewer Get Vaccinated | News

Restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic played a critical role in reducing the number of influenza cases across the country in 2020.

However, with many mandates previously in place a year ago having now been lifted or changed, the country is unlikely to be so lucky this flu season.

“The flu count last year was at an all time high,” said Dr. Jeremy Knott, family doctor at Our Lady of Lourdes. “It was a combination of a few things like wearing masks, social distancing, and other general precautions, including hand washing and limited gatherings.”

Seasonal influenza activity in the United States remains low but continues to increase, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s weekly influenza surveillance report dated December 4. According to the report, most influenza A (H3N2) infections have occurred in children and youth. adults aged 5 to 24; however, the proportion of infections occurring in adults 25 years and older has increased in recent weeks.

As of December 4, Lafayette ranked third on the Walgreens Flu Index with a 253% week-over-week increase in influenza activity, while report shows influenza activity at 335 % higher nationally this season compared to last season during the same period. The report cites recent vacation gatherings and travel as contributing factors to the increase in influenza activity.

“More people are getting together this year,” Knott said. “More people are in close proximity to each other compared to last year. “

The Walgreens Influenza Index provides state and market specific information regarding influenza activity and is compiled using retail prescription data for antiviral drugs used to treat influenza at Walgreens locations at nationwide.

In addition to Lafayette, Baton Rouge is No. 4 and New Orleans No. 8, while Knoxville, Tennessee is the first among the top 10 designated market areas on the index. Louisiana is second among the top 10 states / territories with influenza activity according to the index.

“We’ve already seen the increase nationwide,” Knott said. “Some states like New Mexico have had a higher rate than two years ago. It hasn’t had a classic effect, but the flu is certainly a real threat.

Annual flu shots are the best way to protect yourself against the flu, Knott says, and the CDC recommends anyone six months and older get a flu shot. Early reports show flu shots are also down this season, compared to last year.

“The flu shot is controversial because some people want to know what the real benefit is,” Knott said. “Everyone knows someone who’s been vaccinated and still got the flu. But the main goal is to prevent serious illnesses caused by the flu. The flu shot slightly reduces a person’s chances of catching the flu, but it dramatically lowers the chances of being hospitalized with serious illnesses.

Now is the time to reduce your chances of catching the flu, according to Knott.

“Now is the time to be proactive,” Knott said. “The main thing that is asked is” is this covid? “If you’re not feeling well, if you have a fever, cough, or congestion, don’t just say, ‘Oh, I have a runny nose.’ You should wear a mask and wash yourself. hands. “