Flu bugging schools in Union County area

With Illinois and the nation facing a severe flu season and hospitals treating a surge of patients, state officials this week urged the public to obtain a vaccination shot,  which they say is the best protection against the seasonal flu.

Illinois is one of 24 states that are reporting higher than normal flu activity this season.

A check with Union County area schools this week showed that the flu and other illnesses are fairly prevalent.

Jonesboro School was reported to be experiencing a second round of illness this week.

The first round occurred before the Christmas holiday, when student absences peaked at 60 to 70 students a day. As of early this week, Jonesboro School was experiencing an absentee rate of about 35 students. A normal rate is about 10 students a day.

Shawnee High School at Wolf Lake reported that about 15 to 20 students were absent early this week, which was about triple the normal rate.

At Cobden Elementary School, 15 to 20 students were reported absent early this week, up from a normal number of five to six students.

At Anna Junior High/Davie School, the impact of the flu so far has not been as bad as in past years.

Reports from Lick Creek School and Anna-Jonesboro Community High School indicated that the flu has not yet been prevalent.

Illinois officials reported early this week that the number of flu-related intensive care unit, ICU, hospitalizations so far this year is 368, with 27 flu-related ICU deaths.

The majority of hospitalizations and deaths are of people in their 50s and older.

The Illinois Department of Public Health, IDPH, expects to see an increase in the number of hospitalizations and deaths as more health care providers report cases from previous weeks as well as current cases.

Public health officials note that the flu season imposes a financial cost each year across the nation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, projects the total economic burden of each flu season to be $87.1 billion nationwide.

The financial impact includes direct medical costs of $10.4 billion and lost income due to illness or death estimated at $16.3 billion each year.

While hospitalization costs are important contributors, lost productivity from missed work days and lost lives comprise the bulk of the economic burden of influenza.

“We are definitely experiencing a severe flu season,” IDPH director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck said in a news release.

“However, we have seen severe flu seasons before. IDPH and health care professionals around the state are doing everything in our power to raise awareness and reduce the number of people who become ill."

The strain of flu that is predominately circulating in Illinois and the country has historically been a more severe strain which causes  more hospitalizations and deaths.

Common symptoms of flu include sore throat, high fever, cough, body aches and fatigue.

IDPH recommends contacting a health professional before going to an emergency department if you are experiencing flu symptoms.

The majority of people suffering from the flu simply need to stay home, rest, use over-the-counter remedies as needed and let the flu run its course.

Several hospital emergency departments have recently had to refer patients with such symptoms to other hospitals as they were at capacity.

Typically, only people with severe respiratory illness who have trouble breathing need to visit a hospital emergency department.

For those who still need to obtain a flu shot, you can visit www.idph.state.il.us and enter your zip code in the Flu Vaccine Finder.

Although flu vaccine is still widely available, IDPH says that some doctors’ offices and pharmacies are facing shortages. Those who are seeking to have a flu shot are urged to call ahead before going to get a vaccination.

Currently manufacturers project producing 135 million doses of flu vaccine this season.

At this time, the CDC is indicating there are no known issues with the production of antivirals, such as Tamiflu. However, some areas across the country may experience a shortage because of high demand and pharmacies reordering at the same time.

The vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older.

The flu season normally runs through March and sometimes later.

The estimated effectiveness of the vaccine is 62 percent.

If you have been vaccinated, but still get the flu, the vaccine can reduce the amount of time you’re sick and the severity of symptoms, state health officials said.

By getting vaccinated, you can also help protect infants, the elderly and those with chronic diseases who are at greatest risk for complications due to the flu.