(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - Flu Season is now official in Ketchikan.

Pamela Standley RN, Infection Preventionist for Ketchikan Medical Center along with PeaceHealth epidemiologists have confirmed there is sufficient data to declare that influenza has taken hold in the Ketchikan community. Patients have been admitted to to the medical center with confirmed cases of flu.

Flu brings serious health risks for young children, pregnant women and older adults. PeaceHealth clinicians recommend taking steps early to prevent the spread of the virus.

“First and foremost, getting the influenza vaccination is the best way to avoid or decrease symptoms of influenza, said Pamela RN, “Social distancing is also important; if you are sick, stay home. Lastly, if you must be around others, consider wearing a mask, always cover your cough and practice good handwashing.”

PeaceHealth joins with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, recommending that everyone ages 6 months and older get a yearly vaccination against the highly contagious influenza virus.

“When a large group of individuals develops immunity after being vaccinated, others who cannot receive those same vaccinations due to illness, age or previous severe reactions will be better protected,” explained Pamela. “As with any medication, get all the facts about a vaccine and make informed decisions.”

Primary Care at PeaceHealth Ketchikan has flu shots by appointment. Other local clinics and some pharmacies also offer the vaccination.

Last year was the 100th anniversary of the 1918 flu pandemic. A look back at this period in history provides an important reminder of the catastrophic impacts of the influenza virus, before vaccines were available.

During that outbreak just over a century ago, approximately 500 million people worldwide contracted the flu. It is estimated that up to 50 million died, many of them young and previously healthy. It was the only time in recorded history there was a decrease in the world population, especially between the ages of 17 and 65.

According to PeaceHealth’s Infection Prevention department, the H1N1 “swine flu” pandemic that occurred in 2009 and infected up to 200 million people worldwide possessed similarities with the 1918 flu strain. However, the number of fatalities was significantly lower due to advances in medicine and the diligent work by local and worldwide public health agencies.

The 2017-18 flu season was categorized as the most serious since that swine flu outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control said it was the deadliest in decades with approximately 80,000 flu-related deaths in the United States alone. More than 80% of those individuals were unvaccinated.
Vaccination is the best prevention and there are other ways to decrease the chance of getting flu:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based solution
• Avoid contact with sick people
• If you are sick, stay home and limit contact with others

If you do get the flu, stay home for 24 hours after your fever has gone.
If you have questions, contact your health care provider.

Editing by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center
www.peacehealth.org/ketchikan

 

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