On February 1st, the CDC released an official health advisory stating that Influenza activity is increasing across the country and they has received reports of severe influenza illness, including fatalities.
Since October 2015, CDC has detected co-circulation of influenza A(H3N2), A(H1N1)pdm09, and influenza B viruses (all of which are contained in this year’s flu vaccine). However, H1N1pdm09 viruses have predominated in recent weeks. CDC has received recent reports of severe respiratory illness among young- to middle-aged adults with H1N1pdm09 virus infection, some requiring the intensive care unit (ICU) and some deaths. H1N1pdm09 virus infection in the past has caused severe illness in some children, as well. Most of these patients were unvaccinated.
The CDC recommends that clinicians continue efforts to vaccinate patients this season for as long as influenza viruses are circulating, and the providers at Genesis Pediatrics fully support these efforts. We will continue to offer flu vaccines until we are out of supply.
If your child(ren) have not received their flu shot this season, please call the office to check the status of our vaccine supply and schedule a nurse visit.
It’s not too late in the season, since the flu season seems to be ramping up!