There's Still More To Come During This Nasty Flu Season
DENVER (CBS4) - This year's already worrisome flu season has taken a turn for the worse. The latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show influenza is now widespread in 43 states -- up from 36 states the previous week. That includes Colorado.
Twenty-one children nationwide have died so far this flu season, and doctors at Doctors Express Urgent Care in Denver say about 30 percent of their patients these days come in with flu symptoms.
Surgical masks are now mandatory for medical staff at Doctors Express Urgent Care, and the waiting room is well equipped with hand sanitizer. Dr. Ann Klein says people come in feeling tired and achy with a fever and cough.
"We're seeing a lot of flu here," Klein said. "Although the good news is I haven't seen anybody yet who's had to go to the hospital."
But nearly 1,300 people have been hospitalized with influenza in Colorado, and two children have died.
The flu shot may be only about 30 percent effective this year because the main strain circulating, H3N2, is not well matched to the vaccine.
"In the average year we see effectiveness of the vaccine somewhere at 50 to 70 percent, and so it might be a little lower this year," Dr. Joseph Bresee with the CDC said.
The H3N2 virus is nasty, causing more severe illness, especially in the very young and the elderly. Doctors say there are usually more hospitalizations and deaths when the H3N2 virus circulates.
"I would say we're sort of in the middle (of flu season)," Klein said. "More to come."
Klein said it's not too late to get the flu shot. She said it's effective against some flu viruses and can keep people from getting as sick. She also said wash or sanitize hands often, and those who feel sick need to stay home.
Klein said the flu could still be around as late as May.