All 50 states report the flu, with most reporting widespread infections. Reports indicate a number of deaths — both in young and old — with five confirmed in Michigan.
COLDWATER — “Flu is increasing and considered widespread at this time,” Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency Health Officer Becky Burns told the CHA board on Thursday.
“The predominant strain we are seeing is the Influenza A strain,” Burns said. “There have been many reports about its virility and how dangerous it is.
“It is not too late to get a flu shot,” she continued. “The flu shot is protective.”
All 50 states report the flu, with most reporting widespread infections. Reports indicate a number of deaths — both in young and old — with five confirmed in Michigan.
“If you don’t get a flu shot, you have no protection,” said CHA Medical Officer Dr. Lauren Vogel. “If you do, its around 40 percent.”
He added that with the older population, there is a 30 percent less chance of hospitalization in those who received the vaccine.
Dr. Vogel said that Center for Disease Control studies for the younger population under 18 showed that being vaccinated did not make a lot of difference.
However, he added, “Your chance of dying is much less if you get the flu shot.”
CHA Prevention Services Director Val Newton made a good case for vaccinations.
Newton said that this week alone there were 20 confirmed cases that tested positive for the flu at a local pediatric clinic. Only three of the children had been vaccinated for the flu.
In an attempt to limit exposure, Maple Lawn Medical Care and Rehabilitation Facility — the county owned nursing home — is restricting visitors.
Maple Lawn is only admitting visitors who are healthy adults. No children under the age of 15 are being allowed to visit.
Those who have a cough are being told to delay their visit until they are healthy.
Those who insist on visiting Maple Lawn are being told to wash their hands and wear a mask.
“Influenza and its complications disproportionately affect people who are 65 and older,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University. “They account for 80 percent of the deaths.”