Feb. 3--Getting a shot can save a whole lot of suffering, especially if the shot is loaded with flu vaccine.
State and local health officials on Monday said influenza is officially widespread throughout the state. They made the conclusion after reviewing preliminary data and tests results from hospitals, urgent care facilities and doctors' offices.
The number of total confirmed cases was not available for the state or Central Virginia. Officials said the number of reported "influenza-like illnesses" -- those including respiratory ailments and fevers -- leaves no doubt about the viral arrival.
"There has been a significant increase in reports in the area last week as compared to the week before," said Elizabeth Davies, epidemiologist for the Thomas Jefferson Health District, which includes most of Central Virginia. "We're seeing a whole lot more across the state and in the area. The flu is pretty much everywhere."
Influenza viruses can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, lack of energy, dry coughs, sore throats and runny noses. Fever and body aches may last from three to five days and the cough and lack of energy for two or more weeks. Influenza can be difficult to diagnose because the initial symptoms are similar to those caused by other viruses and illnesses.
Virginia was the first state to report widespread flu outbreaks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New Jersey soon followed.
The figures are determined by creating a "threshold" number through a complex algorithm of the number of flu-related illnesses in the past, those reported weekly and similar illnesses reported in a week. Three of Virginia's four health regions last week exceeded the threshold.
State officials say the commonwealth's method of gathering data from health providers provides information more quickly and they expect other states will soon catch up.
"It's hard to say if we have more flu cases than other states but there's no doubt that it's out there," said Michelle Peregoy, spokeswoman for the Virginia Department of Health. "This is the peak time for flu, so it's really no surprise."
Officials say there are two types of influenza virus, A and B, and many different strains of those types. Every year officials try to determine which strains and types of flu are most likely to occur and create a vaccine cocktail for those viruses. So far this year, most of the strains reported seem to be from type A viruses, a predominate ingredient in this year's vaccine, according to the CDC.
One strain of type A flu has tested as resistant to typical anti-viral medicines such as Oseltamivir, the medicine in Tamiflu. Officials had no information if the resistant strain has appeared in Virginia.
Flu reports are higher for more populated areas because the flu is transmitted through contact with body fluids, from sneeze-released particulates to handshakes.
"The viruses are transmitted from person to person and the illness spreads pretty quickly in places where people are in close contact, like schools and dormitories," Davies said. "It's important for people to take precautions from washing their hands to staying at home when they're sick."
Peregoy recommended a quick trip to get a shot, especially considering the prevalence of type A influenza.
"A good idea is taking the flu vaccine," she said. "It's not too late to get the flu shot."
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