As we enter into another flu season, healthcare professionals are already noticing an increase in patients presenting with flu-like symptoms in the Midlands region. With a notable knock-on effect, local hospitals are reporting a ‘surge’ in cases. Accompanying this rise in patient numbers is a prevalent strain of the influenza virus popularly known as ‘influenza A’. According to Dr. Tallulah Holmstrom, the Chief Medical Officer at MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center, the dramatic infection rate suggests that nearly a quarter of the adult population could be affected. There has been an increase in flu cases among children as well.
Contrary to the last flu season, which saw flu cases peak much later, the present situation is distinctly more ‘impactful’, hitting both earlier and harder. As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the countrywide impact thus far includes approximately 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths.
In response to the steep climb in flu cases and emerging measles cases in the Upstate, Prisma Health, another major hospital system operating in the Midlands region, has implemented temporary visitor restrictions. Direct action has been taken to guard against potential health risk, instituting a policy of prohibiting visitors aged 15 and under from visiting hospitalized patients. This restriction is a protective measure to help reduce the elevated rate of flu infection and to safeguard both patients and staff. However, while other healthcare institutions such as Lexington Health have also seen a surge in influenza incidents, they have opted not to limit visitor access and instead appeal to potential visitors to refrain from visiting whenever unwell.
Dr. Holmstrom sheds light on the more typical symptoms of the influenza A as including an abrupt onset of fever and chills, headaches, muscle aches and pains, and fatigue. However, she prompts caution in differentiating flu symptoms from those caused by gastrointestinal problems, as both present differently. For most people, flu is not a significant health risk, but individuals at the extremes of age or those with chronic health issues face more complex challenges.
To treat the flu, several medications are available, especially effective when administered within 48 hours upon symptom onset. Dr. Holmstrom, however, still espouses prevention as the best approach to combat the flu. Steps include getting a flu shot, engaging in frequent handwashing, self-isolation when feeling unwell, and using a mask in crowded areas.
While the ongoing flu season has had considerable implications, remember that committing to prevention strategies remains the most beneficial method of keeping both individuals and communities safe.