Now, as the holiday season draws near, health officials are raising the alarm. They’re sounding alarm bells over a major increase in flu cases around the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older get the flu vaccine, with very few exceptions. This vaccine is a critical layer of protection against the flu. Authorities note that the new subclade K variant of the H3N2 influenza virus is currently the dominant strain circulating, contributing to a surge in infections.
In light of these changes, Dexter Schools USD #471 moved quickly. They had made the decision to cancel early for winter break after seeing a concerning trend of students calling in sick. The school’s decision reflects the broader trend of rising flu cases, particularly in states like Colorado, Louisiana, and New York, where health officials are monitoring the situation closely.
Rising Flu Cases and Vaccination Recommendations
Most recently, the CDC has sounded the alarm on a sudden increase in flu activity nationwide. More recently, a number of states have experienced an alarming surge in new cases. The emergence of the subclade K variant, which has been circulating since the summer months in other countries, may be influencing this early uptick in flu cases.
Health experts emphasize the importance of vaccination. Dr. Tara Narula states, “Data from the U.K. shows us that the vaccine can decrease hospitalizations in kids by about 70-75%, in adults by about 30-40%.” That’s a critical statistic given how well that vaccine has been shown to be, as families everywhere get ready for holiday travel.
Additionally, the CDC recommends parents realize that children ages six months to eight years should receive the flu vaccine. If they never got it before, they might need at least two doses, given a minimum of four weeks apart. Generally, it takes approximately two weeks after getting vaccinated for the body to build up enough antibodies to provide protection against the virus.
Preventative Measures During Holiday Travel
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently released travel guidelines travelers should follow to stay healthy. They project more than 122 million Americans will travel during the peak period of December 20–January 1. One of their suggestions is to carry spare masks, since they are prone to be damaged or contaminated in transit.
State health officials want Missourians to remember that personal hygiene, especially hand washing, shouldn’t be overlooked. The CDC advises that when soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol should be used. In fact, they ardently advise washing your hands for no less than 20 seconds. Running water is more effective than other methods at reducing the spread of germs.
Dr. Narula underscores the significance of vaccination and hygiene practices ahead of travel: “[It’s] really important for people to get the vaccine, especially before travel coming up.” Her comments resonate with the urgency felt by many health experts as they combat the rising tide of influenza infections.
