Second Wave Of Flu Hits: Latest Reports For Washington

While the coronavirus outbreak is now at the forefront of everyone's mind, it's important to remember that we're not quite through with the flu season.

If you already caught the flu once this year, there’s a chance you may catch it again as a second wave of infection sweeps across the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Influenza A strains now make up a majority of reported flu cases, a change from earlier in the season when Influenza B was the dominant strain and one that took a heavy toll on younger Americans. For the week ending Feb. 29, more than 72 percent of cases tested positive for Influenza A.

Earlier this season, some health experts predicted we could be in for a “double-barreled” flu season this year, which happens when two strains strike back to back — a pattern flu experts say is extremely rare, according to Healthline.

This type of season increases the odds of someone catching the flu twice. Just because you caught Influenza B doesn’t mean you’re immune from A strains.

At least 267 flu cases were reported in Washington last week, according to the state Department of Health. Influenza A was the dominant strain with 235 confirmed cases. The health department reported 32 people tested positive for Influenza B.

Flu activity remains high in New York City, Puerto Rico and 40 states, including Washington.

The CDC has recorded at least 34 million flu illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations and 20,000 deaths from flu — 136 of which were children, according to data ending the week of Feb. 29.

In Washington, 75 people have died from the flu this season, with six deaths among children.

According to the CDC:

"Key indicators that track flu activity remain high but decreased for the third week in a row. Severity indicators (hospitalizations and deaths) remain moderate to low overall, but hospitalization rates differ by age group, with high rates among children and young adults.

Nationally, the percentage of virus specimens testing positive for influenza decreased from 28 percent for the week ending Feb. 22 to 24.3 percent for the latest week.

Typically, the groups most at risk of the flu are older adults, very young children, pregnant women and those with certain chronic medical conditions.

Symptoms of the flu can include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills (though not everyone with flu will have a fever)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

The flu is a highly contagious illness, which is why the CDC urges everyone to take the following steps to protect themselves and others:

• Take time to get a flu shot: While there are many different flu viruses, a flu vaccine protects against the viruses that research suggests will be most common. The CDC says it’s not too late to get this year’s vaccine.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• If you are sick with flu symptoms, you should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs such as the flu.
• Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.