The reporting is based on the for the week ending Jan. 21. In the report released Jan. 27, the CDC notes that 鈥渢he proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza was above the system-specific epidemic threshold鈥� used by the National Center for Health Statistics.
鈥溾�楨pidemic鈥� is hyperbole,鈥� said Dr. , professor of internal medicine at the and section chair of infectious diseases at . 鈥淓pidemic means seeing more than the normal baseline for this time of the year.鈥�
The CDC鈥檚 frequently asked questions page on influenza notes that 鈥渢he United States experiences epidemics of seasonal flu each year. This time of year is called 鈥榝lu season.鈥欌��
Influenza is currently widespread in Southwest Virginia but it is 鈥渋n the usual amounts for any given year,鈥� Kerkering said.
Confirmed cases at Carilion Clinic emergency rooms across Southwest Virginia have been steadily picking up in the last two weeks, Kerkering said, and they鈥檙e expected to continue for another two to three weeks before tapering off.
Kerkering said this year's influenza vaccine is a good match. He encourages people to get vaccinated even if they haven鈥檛 already. 鈥淚t is not too late.鈥�
The CDC taking everyday preventative actions to remain healthy like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you do become sick with the flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading it to others.
InterviewContact Jordan Fifer at [email protected] | 540-231-6997, or Chris Turnbill at [email protected] | 540-266-6598, to arrange an interview with Kerkering.
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