Influenza activity is on the rise in the United States. While the spread of influenza can be unpredictable, flu season generally peaks sometime between December and February, though it has been reported as late as May.
While getting the flu doesn’t usually inspire dread among the otherwise healthy, the virus can have serious consequences for the frail. Every year, millions of people will be sickened by the seasonal flu and thousands in the U.S. will die from it. During a 34-year study period, the CDC found flu activity peaked more often in February than other months. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center is among the public health experts who believe the worst of the flu season is still to come.
If you’ve been putting off getting a flu shot, Schaffner said “run don’t walk” to get the shot. “It should peak sometime in February and then it [will likely] abate through March,” he added.
The CDC disseminates a Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report. To access the report and details, click here.
This is an important reminder for all that it is not too late to protect ourselves by getting the flu shot. An abundance of resources, toolkits, podcasts, videos and images can be found on the CDC Web site. Together, we play an important role in helping to educate patients about immunization recommendations. For more information on our efforts to increase immunization rates, visit our Web site.
Upcoming WebEx Opportunity
Lessons Learned from the Field: Influenza Coalition Leaders Sharing Their Wisdom
Thursday, February 9
1:00 p.m. CT
Have you wondered how to build, motivate, and support partnerships in your community that expand flu vaccination outreach and education?
Attend this WebEx to hear from immunization coalition leaders throughout the United States who will share lessons learned and challenges in promoting flu vaccination within underserved communities. Immunization coalitions are committed to protecting people from vaccine-preventable diseases including the flu. Coalitions work with statewide or local networks to enhance collaboration, communications and flu vaccination promotion activities.
For more information and to register, visit the NIVDP Web site.
Brought to you by The National Influenza Vaccination Disparities Partnership (NIVDP)