Flu Widespread in NH, Vaccine "Bad Match" for the Virus

Going out in public? Keep your hand sanitizer with you and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Flu season is particularly nasty this year.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports 43 states are experiencing high or widespread cases of the flu.

Flu has been widespread in New Hampshire since the week of Dec. 14, according to the NH Division of Public Health Services. The flu is considered widespread if the virus outbreaks in least half of the state’s regions.

Last week a Hillsborough County man passed away from complications from the flu. He was the state’s first death from the flu this season.

The CDC expects we’re about halfway through this flu season.

Not even those who made their way to health clinics for their yearly flu shot can feel safe from the virus this year. The CDC reports this year’s vaccination is a bad match for the strain. Though it will protect against certain strains of the influenza virus, the vaccine will not be completely effective against the strain making rounds this season.

Health officials are urging residents to protect themselves against the flu, following simple tips like covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze and washing your hands with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds.

>>Also Read: Two Most Important Ways to Prevent Colds and Flu This Winter

For those already hospitalized or at high risk for complications from the flu, the CDC encourages doctors to prescribe antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu. CDC research indicates doctors currently prescribe antiviral medication to one out of five patients at high risk for flu complications.

That number is way too low, the CDC said, as all patients at risk for complications from the flu should be getting antiviral medication.

image via shutterstock

Have a news tip? Email kasandra.brabaw@patch.com. You can also post your own news, events and announcements on Patch by following these directions. Curious about how our new commenting platform, Disqus, works? Learn more about it here and start interacting with your community.