Flu Infections are rising again – Nick Landekic

By Nick Landekic, contributing writer

Let’s look at the extraordinary flu and cold season we are in the midst of…the highest levels in over 15 years. The uptick began after Christmas, with dramatic peaks to this day.

We measure flu in a community utilizing wastewater viral levels.

Influenza transmission and cases are rising in a second surge this winter.

Flu levels nationally have reached historic highs.

Levels in Rhode Island and throughout the New England area High to Very High. Across the country all but 3 states have High or Very High levels, with 3 other states are not reporting any data.

As is always the case with the flu, children and older people are at the greatest risk. Children are showing the highest rate of flu illness at 16.9% for under age 4.

Noro! The worst of the worse

The most miserable of the ‘quad-demic’ viruses circulating. Unfortunately there’s not much to do except stay hydrated, and hope it passes quickly.

FWIW Norovirus levels seem to have peaked and have started to decline, but are still very high throughout the country – 

For the old(s) and the young(s) – take it seriously

Older adults are at the greatest risk of severe illness. Hospitalization rates are highest in people over age 75, followed by those age 65-74. 70%-85% of flu deaths are in those over 65.

For those over 65, flu increases the risk of heart attack by 3-5 times, and stroke 2-3 times. This risk remains increased for several months. It all adds up to a 6 times higher risk of dying from the flu if you are 65 or older.

All those ‘lingering bad cold that just won’t go away’ people are talking about right now, and the wracking coughs you may hear, may well be cases of the flu or COVID. Common flu symptoms in older adults include:

• High fever
• Severe fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort
• Confusion or altered mental state

If you experience any of these please see your doctor or get medical attention ASAP. Flu in older people is not something to be taken lightly. Last year almost 30,000 people died because of the flu, and almost half a million were hospitalized. It’s not ‘just a bad cold.’

Children under 5 and especially under 2 are also at particularly high risk from the flu, as evidenced by that age group showing the highest rate of infections. Complications from flu in children can include:

• Pneumonia – where the lungs get infected and inflamed
  • Dehydration – when a child’s body loses too much water and salts
  • Worsening of long-term medical problems like heart disease or asthma
  • Brain dysfunction such as encephalopathy
  • Sinus problems and ear infections
  • In rare cases, flu complications can lead to death

Flu Shots

The injectable flu vaccine is approved for children 6 months and older, and a nasal spray vaccine also available for those over age. Parents can help protect their children from getting infected by getting vaccinated themselves, and taking other precautions.

A contributing factor to the second surge of flu this year is that the available vaccine does not appear to be a great match for the circulating strains because the influenza virus mutated faster and more extensively than anticipated. Initial data suggest the vaccine this year is only about 34% effective. You may well still get infected even if vaccinated, but the vaccine can bring a case of the flu down from severe to mild. It’s not too late to get vaccinated and if you haven’t received it yet this year – now might be a good time. Talk with your doctor.

Masks. Yes, masks

Masks can help protect you against the flu, as well as any respiratory viruses, including COVID and RSV. Masks work, and work very well. A great many studies have repeatedly shown that an N95 (or equivalent KN95, KF94, or FFP2 mask) worn properly can significantly reduce your risk of becoming infected, and even reduce the severity of illness if you do become infected (by reducing the number of virions inhaled). Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces and when traveling on planes or public transportation while we go through this surge.

Wearing a mask is easy. Having the flu or COVID is hard. Very hard. Spring will be here soon, stay healthy until then!

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Nick Landekic of Bristol is a retired C.E.O. and biotechnology entrepreneur who has spent more than 35 years working in the pharmaceutical industry.