Health authorities are trying to help Pierce County residents – especially elderly ones – avoid the fate that befell almost 50 people during the 2016-17 flu season.
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department reported 49 flu-related deaths during the peak last influenza period of October 2016 to April this year. It was the deadliest flu season of the previous three flu seasons combined. It also was particularly6 bad for older adults and put added pressure on hospital emergency rooms for treatment.
With a new flu season underway and predictions of wide potential for illness, “everyone should get a flu shot. But it’s especially important for the elderly, pregnant women, and those with other health conditions to protect themselves against the flu,” said Nigel Turner, director of communicable disease control for the Health Department. “It’s good community stewardship. People who get vaccinated also help protect those around them."
The most common strain of flu last season, known as H3N2, tends to affect the elderly more than younger people. Based on flu activity in the southern hemisphere, people should expect this flu season to be similar to last season, Turner reported.
Fever, coughs, sore throats and body aches can last for days for flu sufferers. And it can lead to death.
A flu shot is an important first step in avoiding the illness and in reducing the severity of it, Turner noted.
“When more people take the simple proactive step of getting a flu shot, it can keep them out of urgent care and the emergency room,” he said.
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