© 2024 Maine Public | Registered 501(c)(3) EIN: 22-3171529
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Scroll down to see all available streams.

Maine Official Expects Flu Levels to Rise in Coming Months

Fatalities in the U.S. due to flu and pneumonia have reached epidemic levels, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control, with the illnesses accounting for 837 deaths nationwide during the second-to-last week of 2014.

Flu and pneumonia cases haven't reached epidemic levels in Maine yet. But the Maine CDC says it expects the numbers to go up over the next two months.

As the flu season arrives each year, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sends out a basic warning and urges Americans to get immunized.

But this year, things are a bit more complicated.

"Every season is different, with different flu viruses spreading and causing illness," says Dr. Tom Friedan, head of the CDC, who briefed journalists on an early December conference call.

So far this season, H3N2 viruses, known as influenza A, have been detected most frequently across the country. Years when influenza A predominates usually result in more flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. The CDC, Friedan told reporters, became concerned as it analyzed some of the viruses making the rounds.

"Unfortunately, about half of the H3N2 viruses that we've analyzed this season are different from the H3N2 virus that's included in this year's vaccine," he says.

The vaccine, Friedan went on to say, is still the best protection against getting the flu. But he warned it may also provide less protection against illness than it normally does.

Flu activity is now considered widespread in 36 states. Dr. Sheila Pinette, who heads the Maine CDC, says while Maine hasn't seen epidemic levels of influenza yet, she does expect numbers here to rise in January and February. And she says immunization is the best course for those most at risk, including senior citizens and children under the age of 5.

"We do believe there is cross-protection and we are urging people to still receive the vaccine because that is the cornerstone of therapy," she says.

Pinette urges Mainers to wash their hands frequently and stay home if they're sick.