Emergency Room Visits Surge As Flu Season Kicks Off

It’s the season for giving gifts, and the universe has one for you – flu cases are on the rise both in Minnesota and nationwide.

The Minnesota Department of Health is reporting that urgent care and emergency rooms statewide are packed with new flu cases. Of the 2,000 cases statewide, most are concentrated in those older than 65 and younger than 4.

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Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the timing of this year’s seasonal flu is very common, but they are closely watching this year’s variant due to some mutations that happened after this year’s flu vaccine was developed. After last year’s severe flu season, this year’s variant (the A(H3N2) subclade K virus) is being watched closely and could lead to more severe flu cases or a less effective vaccine.

If you think you’re coming down with the flu, the first few hours are the most critical. The flu is most contagious in the first 24 to 48 hours; the time when you feel like you “might be coming down with something” is when you’re most contagious and likely to spread the flu to others.

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If someone in your immediate circle comes down with the flu, the American Red Cross has the following suggestions:

• Designate one person as the caregiver.
• Keep everyone’s personal items separate. All household members should avoid sharing pens, papers, clothes, towels, sheets, blankets, food or eating utensils unless they have been cleaned between uses.
• Disinfect doorknobs, switches, handles, computers, telephones, toys, and other surfaces that are commonly touched around the home or workplace.
• Wash everyone’s dishes in the dishwasher or by hand using very hot water and soap.
• Wash everyone’s clothes in a standard washing machine as you normally would. Use detergent and very hot water, and wash your hands after handling dirty laundry.
• Wear disposable gloves when in contact with or cleaning up body fluids.

We all know what to do when we have the flu – drink lots of fluids, wash your hands often (and use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol), and get plenty of sleep. But when can we say we’re better and ready to rejoin society? Doctors suggest waiting until you’re fever-free for 24 to 36 hours before you can be sure you’re over the flu and won’t pass it on to others.

Stay safe this flu season, or try to enjoy your time off!