Flu season late, but on the way
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The flu is making its way to Eastern Connecticut, but it’s not too late to get vaccinated.
Faith Coleman, employee health nurse at Backus Hospital, said the flu generally moves from west to east. While New York is seeing significant numbers of cases, the western portions of Connecticut are seeing the largest numbers of flu cases, Coleman said.
“It’s coming, it’s just slower this year,” Coleman said.
According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health there have been 459 confirmed cases of flu in the state as of Feb. 2. Fairfield and New Haven counties have been the hardest hit to date. New London County has had 16 cases and Windham County has had 12.
Coleman said it’s not too late to get protection from the flu with a vaccination. The flu season goes through March 31, she said.
The vaccine —still readily available in the region, including at Backus Health Centers —takes about two weeks to build up immunity, Coleman said. Now is the time to get the shot, she said. The rapid rise of cases in New York is a sign the flu will hit the region soon.
While this year’s vaccine isn’t a perfect match for many strains of this year’s virus, a shot will still minimize flu symptoms. She recommends the vaccine for virtually everyone from the age of 6 months and older.
Those who are concerned about getting the flu from the vaccine should not be, Coleman said. There are no live virus strains in the shot. While some people can get a headache and feel a malaise after getting the shot, it is not the flu, Coleman said.
However, the flu does incubate for three days before an infected person shows symptoms, Coleman said. Most people who come down with the flu shortly after being vaccinated were already carrying the influenza virus or caught it before the vaccine became fully effective, Coleman said.
Those who have the flu are contagious for up to seven days after they show symptoms. Robin Heard, nurse epidemiologist at Backus Hospital, said anyone sick with the flu should stay away from crowds.
The best way to prevent the flu, Heard said, is to wash your hands, maintain good sleep habits, get some exercise, eat well and stay away from crowds when you are feeling sick. If you are coughing and sneezing, it’s better to use your arm to cover your mouth and nose rather than your hand, Heard said. You are less likely to transmit the germs that way.
Anyone interested in getting a flu shot may stop by any of the Backus Health Centers. No appointment is needed, however, it’s requested that you call prior to your arrival.