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SALT LAKE CITY — Health officials are recommending flu shots and common sense measures during a season that may see more cases because of a drift in vaccine strains.
The most common strains of the virus seen so far this year — influenza A H3N2 viruses — are also among the most severe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This virus has also drifted away from the vaccine virus. This means only an estimated 37 to 42 percent of H3N2 cases will respond to the vaccine, according to the CDC. Similar drifts occurred in the 2007-08 and 2012-13 seasons.
Depending on the mix, a flu vaccine will fight three or four flu viruses. Because of this, officials still recommend the flu shot, since it will protect against other strains and possibly offer some safeguard against the drifted virus.
"The message is to get vaccinated. Even with the drift, you're still going to get protection," said Rebecca Ward, health educator for the bureau of epidemiology at the Utah Department of Health.
Hospitalizations for the flu in the state nearly doubled in one week, from 31 cases between Nov. 16 and 22, to 60 cases between Nov. 23 and 29. The reporting week of Nov. 30 to Dec. 6 saw more than 100 cases.
That kind of growth is normal, according to Ward, who said the state does not usually see a peak in influenza until late December or early January. The state is one of five with low influenza-like illnesses, compared to six states and Puerto Rico with high influenza-like activity, and New York and 38 others with minimal activity, according to the CDC.
The message is to get vaccinated. Even with the drift, you're still going to get protection.
–Rebecca Ward, Utah Dept. of Health
One local physician said he has not seen an unusual amount of cases of influenza or pneumonia yet in the season, but this could change as the season progresses.
"We haven't seen the spike yet, so now's the perfect time to get (a flu shot)," said Hans Jenkins, a family practice physician at MountainStar Medical Group Farmington, who said the vaccine takes about a week to become effective.
Those most at risk for developing complications with the flu include children younger than 5, adults older than 65 and those with other medical conditions, he said. Those in these groups should see a doctor if they develop a fever.
The year's viruses are responsive to antiviral medicine, including Tamiflu, meaning those who do come down with the flu can receive relief. Ward recommends beginning these drugs soon after symptoms develop for the best results.
Since "influenza is spread through respiratory droplets," Ward suggested washing hands "well and often," covering one's nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing, disposing of the tissue used and washing hands again afterward, and keeping hands away from eyes, nose and mouth.
The best way to avoid infection is to avoid contact, Jenkins said.
"If you have a fever or you're sick, don't go to work, don't go to church. Just wear a mask and avoid infecting other people."
