The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that flu rate for January 2013 remains above the national baseline for the seventh consecutive week. Although seasonal flu rates remain high in the population, the elderly are experiencing more complications. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm#ISTE
The long duration, high rates and severity of this flu season will likely cost employers more than $10 billion for direct care and more if considering indirect costs of lost productivity due to employee sick leave and caregiver duties. http://www.foxbusiness.com/industries/2013/01/09/worsening-flu-season-could-costs-companies-billions/
Dr. Tom Frieden, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Dr. Peggy Hamburg, the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration recently discussed the current flu season, the complication rate and practical tips to manage people at high risk, such as the elderly. Practical tips include frequent hand washing, avoidance of touching the face and keeping vulnerable populations away from sick individuals. http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2013/t0118_flu_season.html
The 2012-2013 flu season is showing to be notably severe, placing the elderly at additional risk for extended bouts of flu, complications, hospitalizations and even death. It is especially important that the elderly are aware of options to defend against the flu beyond getting a seasonal flu vaccination. Antiviral drugs, when started within 48 hours of the onset of illness, can reduce symptoms, shorten the duration of illness and prevent serious complications. Studies show that swift inclusion of antiviral drugs can reduce the risk of death in very ill patients by 50 to 75 percent. It is clear that antiviral use in high-risk patients can be the difference between recovery and death. http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2013/t0118_flu_season.html
Each year several types of viruses can produce the flu with vaccine manufacturers creating vaccines against a combination of the prevalent virus types into the seasonal vaccine. The effectiveness of the annual vaccine can vary based on the viruses change as more people become infected. This year’s vaccine has been about 60% effectiveness. Improved research to increase the rate of vaccine production and clinical trials for a universal vaccine, which would only require injection every 5 to 10 years, are promising advances in treating the flu that are still several years away. http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/01/21/insight-us-government-investment-gives-flu-vaccines-shot-in-arm/
In the meantime, CDC continues to recommend flu vaccination for people who have not yet been vaccinated this season and early intervention with antiviral treatment for those who get sick and are at high risk of flu complications, such as elderly patients. (view video for more details). http://youtu.be/5KUjMg9qMso
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