The number of people seeking help related to a respiratory illness in Virginia spiked to nearly 25 percent of emergency room visits.
Data from the Virginia Department of Health shows the illness level as high with the most activity in the Central, Eastern, Northwest regions of the state. These areas include the counties of Augusta, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Albemarle, and the cities of Charlottesville, Richmond, Staunton and Waynesboro. The Eastern region encompasses Hampton Roads.
Fairfax County is reporting that flu-related emergency room visits have tripled in recent weeks.
Virginia investigated 10 outbreaks of COVID-19, influenza and/or RSV in the week ending Dec. 27, with the majority occurring in long-term care facilities.
Many cases are linked to a new variant, subclade K, known as the super flu which has more severe symptoms. The virus is from the same influenza A lineage that caused the flu pandemic of 1968, killing an estimated 100,000 Americans and a million people worldwide.
The H3N2 strain often sparks severe epidemics that are more likely to cause deaths and hospitalizations especially among the elderly and very young.
While antibiotics are not effective treating viruses like the flu, antiviral drugs are available by prescription.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends early treatment as soon as possible for people who have flu or suspected flu who are at higher risk of serious flu complications, such as people with asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
Studies show that treatment of flu with antiviral medications works best when started within two days after flu symptoms begin and can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by about a day. However, starting them later can still be helpful.
“If you’re having difficulty catching your breath, or you have a high fever or chest pain — those are signs you’re very, very sick,” Dr. Costi Sifri, director of epidemiology at UVA Health, told 12 On Your Side. “Don’t hesitate to seek medical care. Don’t be a hero.”
Flu season typically runs from October to May, with the highest rates of infection in January and February.
Frederick G. Hayden, MD, a professor emeritus at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, said getting vaccinated remains “the most important action people can do to protect themselves and their families.”