Flu cases are on the rise this holiday season

Lately, you’re probably noticing the signs of flu everywhere: more people wearing masks, families canceling plans, kids with fevers and coughs. Sports fans have noticed player absences. Some restaurants and businesses are shuttering hours due to sick employees and lack of ample staffing. 

Numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirm the suspected culprit: influenza virus. The federal agency is reporting 14.8% of lab tests as positive for influenza type A, the majority of which this year have been H3N2. 

Delaware mirrors national statistics with Delaware Health and Social Services reporting 894 new flu cases in the state Dec. 14-20, up from 340 reported the week prior. Sussex County recorded 230 and 79 cases for weeks 51 and 50, respectively, showing a stark increase in positive cases.

This early spike in the flu this season is driving patients to emergency departments and urgent cares in large volumes. Many centers are reporting longer-than-usual wait times due to an influx of acutely ill patients.

Sarah Clark, PA-C, who sees patients at Atracare’s urgent care, said she is seeing a large spike in volume of patients reporting upper respiratory symptoms. She noted that it’s not just flu, as there are also a lot of RSV and COVID cases as well. It’s respiratory season, and the bugs are going around.

It’s important to understand that cases are high and to take steps to reduce the risk of transmission by avoiding large gatherings, masking up and getting a flu shot. The CDC states that millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits each year can be avoided by getting the flu vaccine.

If you don’t feel well and you are going to be around a large group of people, in contact with someone who is elderly or anyone that is immunocompromised, it’s recommended that you test yourself first so that you don’t spread the virus. Symptoms of the flu include fever and cough, and testing kits are available at pharmacies over the counter.  Results come back in about 15 minutes.

If you have the flu, there are treatment options available. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is the mainstay for treatment as an outpatient, but it must be started within 48 hours of symptom onset, making it important to see a medical provider right away if you’re positive or suspect you have the flu.