Flu spikes in Louisiana: 'It's bad everywhere'

Louisiana is suffering a spike in the flu this week from Acadiana to Alexandria, Monroe to Shreveport and all points beyond with more than double the cases reported just a month ago.

"It's bad everywhere," Dr. Frank Welch said Tuesday in an interview with USA Today Network.

Welch, immunization director for the Louisiana Department of Health, said the percentage of visits to medical providers related to flu-like symptoms has jumped from "4 or 5 percent a couple of weeks ago to 11 percent this week."

Last year Louisiana faced one of its most severe and deadliest flu seasons in the state's history with more than 15,000 hospitalizations and more than 1,600 deaths, including five children.

That compares to a normal season of 3,000 hospitalizations and 500 deaths.

"(Last year) was a freight train — unprecedented," Welch said.

This year's level of infections won't approach 2018, but Welch said he's alarmed about the dramatic rise of infections this week.

"We're in the height of flu season," he said. "It's here."

Welch and Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Rebekah Gee fear it could get worse as more people mingle for Mardi Gras parades and balls, which is why they're urging everyone to get a flu vaccine and take other precautions.

"Catch beads, not the flu," the department tweeted. "Everyday preventive actions can help prevent the spread of flu this Mardi Gras season."

Gee tweeted Tuesday that Louisiana has the eighth highest flu rates in the country now.

"It's not too late to get vaccinated for the flu," she tweeted. "Seek care for you or your family member quickly if you have symptoms."

Welch said the two strains of flu in Louisiana this year are H1N1 and H3N2, which are considered more severe. "They make you sicker and hit you harder," he said.

He said this year's flu vaccine is more effective than last year, including about 60 percent effective for children.

"The flu shot is very well matched this year," he said. "It starts going to work in two days and can fully protect you in a week or two, which is right before Mardi Gras.

"It's not 100 percent effective, but even if you do get the flu it will make the symptoms less severe."

Welch said even those who've had the flu should still get the shot because they could become infected with a second strain.

All of the health care providers emphasized being vigilant with the primary prevention methods: washing hands frequently; wearing masks if you can't avoid people with the flu; avoid shaking hands; and absolutely taking the flu vaccine.

Dr. Raymond Coghlan, an infectious disease specialist in the Shreveport-Bossier City market, told USA Today Network last year he "can't emphasize enough the importance of frequent hand washing."

"You'd be surprised how many people don't wash their hands," he said.

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1