Flu outbreak in Wisconsin severe and expected to be widespread at least another month
Karen HerzogPersistent coughs, high fevers and spotty but temporary shortages of hospital beds and flu vaccine are in the forecast for Wisconsin.
The flu season is nearing its peak, as the federal government on Friday added Wisconsin to the map of "red" states with severe, widespread outbreaks.
"We are in a severe year," state epidemiologist Tom Haupt said Friday, "and there are a lot of states that will be in a severe year. The good news is we are getting close to peak. The bad news is we'll stay high at least three to four weeks after peak. It shouldn't get worse then, and will gradually get better."
This season's predominant strain, A(H3N2), typically hits the elderly hardest.
About 70% of the 2,500 flu-related hospitalizations in Wisconsin since Sept. 1 have been those 65 and older, Haupt said. Last week alone, there were more than 600 new hospitalizations, he said.
Some hospitals have had to temporarily divert patients from emergency departments because they ran out of hospital beds, Haupt said. Meriter and UW hospitals in Madison were at or approaching capacity at one point last week, he said.
This flu season is on pace with the 2014-'15 flu season, which totaled just under 5,000 flu-related hospitalizations. That was among the most severe within the past 10 years, including the 2009 pandemic, when the predominant strain was A(H1N1), which typically affects young children the most.
If you're generally healthy and you get the flu, you may only need to see a doctor if your fever goes higher, your cough gets worse or you have trouble breathing, experts advise. Some physicians won't prescribe an influenza antiviral to otherwise healthy people.
Those who get the flu and are at-risk for severe complications — people with diabetes, the elderly, children under 5 and those with compromised immune systems — should see a physician to possibly get an influenza antiviral medication such as Tamiflu. That can decrease symptoms by a day and reduce the chances for severe complications.
Regardless, Haupt advises anyone with the flu to stay home, rest to heal and avoid complications, and try not to return to work or classes until you are fever-free for 24 hours. If you have to go to work, be diligent with precautions to avoid spreading it.
RELATED:It's not too late to get your flu shot
RELATED:Man flu vs. mom cold: I can fight off a cold with sheer willpower, so why can't my wimpy husband?
RELATED:30 children now dead from flu, CDC says
It's not too late to get a flu shot, Haupt said. It may take two weeks to build immunity, but the flu will still be everywhere by then. If it doesn't prevent you from getting the flu — flu vaccines tend to be 30% to 35% effective — getting the shot may reduce the severity of symptoms.
Most importantly, getting a flu shot could prevent you from spreading flu to older people who are at high risk for dangerous complications.
It's best to call ahead before going to a pharmacy to make sure it has vaccine available.
Haupt said the rate of immunizations in Wisconsin is about 31% of the population, which he called "disappointing."
So, how do you know whether you have the flu or a nasty cold?
The flu comes on suddenly and usually lasts a few days to less than two weeks, unless there are complications such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness and dry cough are more common and intense with flu than with a cold. Those with a cold are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose.
Other tips:
- Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Stay home when sick.
- Cover a cough or sneeze with the upper sleeve. If using a tissue, throw it away after one use.
- Use your own drinking cups and straws.
- Avoid exposure to people who are sick with flu-like symptoms.
- Eat nutritious meals, get plenty of rest and don't smoke.
- Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, telephones, faucets and refrigerator door handles.