‘Double-Barreled’ Flu Season Possible In Wisconsin: Report

MILWAUKEE, WI — As flu-related illnesses nationwide climbed to nearly 19 million cases this week, one health expert said we could be in for a “double-barreled” flu season this year — which means you could catch the flu twice in one season, according to reports.

While the B/Victoria strain dominated the start of the flu season — a strain largely immune to this year’s flu shot — reported cases of the A/H1N1 strain are on the rise. This means that as the two strains are striking back-to-back, a person’s risk of catching both increases, Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told Healthline.

This pattern is unusual, Schaffner also said, because last year, two A strains struck back-to-back. Someone who catches an A strain virus is somewhat protected from catching another A strain. However, a B strain outbreak followed by an A strain outbreak doesn’t offer much for cross protection, so it’s possible a person could get sick twice, officials said.

In addition to the increase of nearly 4 million cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the death toll from influenza-related illnesses climbed to nearly 10,000 people — 14 this week were children.

Nationally, according to the CDC’s influenza report for the week ending Jan. 25, the percentage of virus specimens testing positive for influenza increased from 25.6 percent for the week ending Jan. 18 to 27.7 percent this week.

The CDC estimates that, so far this season, there have been at least 19 million illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths from the flu. For comparison, the CDC reported a total of 15 million illnesses and 140,000 hospitalizations in its weekly report ending Jan. 11.

The latest data from the agency shows that the virus has been widespread in nearly all states, including Wisconsin. Only Hawaii and the District of Columbia are reporting regional or local activity.

The CDC’s surveillance of influenza-like illness measures the level of flu activity within a state. According to the latest data, flu activity is high in New York City, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 41 states. In Wisconsin, reported flu activity is considered to be high.

Influenza B continues to dominate cases, but A cases continue to increase, according to the CDC’s report. Currently, Influenza B comprises 54 percent of tested specimens.

Despite the increases, the flu virus continues to affect young people at a high rate. So far, 68 pediatric deaths have been recorded this flu season.

Traditionally, the groups most at risk of the flu are older adults, very young children, pregnant women and those with certain chronic medical conditions.

According to the CDC, symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills (though not everyone with flu will have a fever)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

The flu is a highly contagious illness, which is why the CDC urges everyone to take the following steps to protect themselves and others:

• Take time to get a flu shot: While there are many different flu viruses, a flu vaccine protects against the viruses that research suggests will be most common. The CDC says it’s not too late to get this year’s vaccine.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• If you are sick with flu symptoms, you should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs such as the flu.
• Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.