Flu Season Affects Many Across Northeast Nebraska

Flu season is a constant nag for many. It can cause those who are unfortunate enough to come down with it to miss work, school, social events and a number of more enjoyable activities. When the flu strikes, it seems to hit heavily around communities, and this year is no exception.

Communities all across Northeast Nebraska have seen a number of flu cases, even to the point that school events had to be cancelled or postponed due to lack of numbers. Angela Sucha, a physician assistant at Antelope Memorial Hospital in Neligh, said that there have been confirmed cases that they have dealt with this year.

“We started seeing positive cases (of the flu) at the beginning of January, varying in all age groups,” Sucha explained.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the prevailing strain of the flu this year has been the H3N2, a form of Influenza A. CDC Director Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald explained the strain in a briefing on Friday.

“These viruses are often linked to more severe illness, especially among children and people age 65 and older. When H3 viruses are predominant, we tend to have a worse flu season with more hospitalizations and more deaths,” she said.

According to the CDC, flu cases have increased in recent weeks. However, that is normal for this time of year. To date, 540 cases of H3N2 have been reported in region seven, which Nebraska belongs to. There has been one reported death.

There have also been a number of other viral illnesses. Although they are similar to the flu in their symptoms, they can often be taken care of in short time.

“There are a lot of viral illnesses that have some similar symptoms to influenza,” Sucha said. “It is usually abrupt symptoms that are present in the same day. They can be treated with antiviral medication if the symptom onset is within 48 hours. Treatment can help shorten the illness by about a day.”

There are a number of ways to prevent the spread of the flu. Sucha said the virus is transported through droplets, meaning something as simple as a sneeze or cough can pass it from one person to the next.
Simply being proactive can help you avoid being the next to call in sick for the flu.

​“You can reduce your risk of getting the flu through everyday good health habits like covering your mouth when you cough and frequently washing your hands,” Fitzgerald said. “You need, of course, to limit contact with others who might be sick and, if possible, stay home when you are sick to help prevent the spread of germs and respiratory illnesses like the flu. These are the most important measures that we all should be doing.”