BANGOR — Health officials in Maine are urging continued prevention in the midst of an active flu season.
According to Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention data, nearly 1,000 people statewide have been hospitalized for influenza so far this season.
“We are in flu season,” said Jennifer Gunderman, director of Bangor Public Health and Community Services. “We saw a surge in the number of cases back in, I believe, around the beginning of January. The Maine CDC data showed that there were dramatic increases in influenza-like illness, hospitalizations, and even death.”
Additionally, Gunderman said that data shows that there was a spike in cases in the Bangor area recently.
“We can take a look at our wastewater data and say, ‘oh we’re experiencing a little bit of a surge here in Bangor.’ And that did happen a few weeks ago,” said Gunderman.
She added that people should still remain vigilant against the virus.
“We’ve seen those rates kind of go down a little bit, and sometimes that can make people feel like ‘oh, flu season is over.’ It is not over,” said Gunderman.
Officials recommend getting vaccinated, washing your hands, drinking plenty of fluids and staying home when you’re sick.
“Multiple strains can circulate,” said Gunderman. “So, even if the vaccine isn’t super effective for one strain, it could be really effective for another strain. So, we are still recommending that people get vaccinated for influenza.”
Gunderman added that getting vaccinated is essential, and it’s important to address the misinformation surrounding the flu vaccine.
“What we have heard in the community is ‘oh, the vaccine doesn’t work this year.’ Well, first of all, the vaccine is most effective in preventing serious illness and death,” said Gunderman. “The idea that getting an influenza shot means you’re never going to get the flu… that’s kind of a little bit of a misconception.”
Additionally, the Community Health Leadership Board (CHLB) said medical data shows that influenza can spike multiple times, historically speaking.
The CHLB is a partnership of local healthcare providers, human service organizations, and the city of Bangor.
According to the CHLB, populations at high risk for influenza-related complications include “young children, older adults, people with certain chronic conditions like asthma/COPD and pregnant individuals.”
Gunderman said it’s difficult to pinpoint when flu season will come to a close, but it will likely continue through at least March.
“Hindsight is 20/20 with influenza. But, looking at historical data, we can go well into the end of March,” said Gunderman. “Some years it could go even into the beginning of April. We don’t know when those peaks and when the end is here until it’s truly the end.”
Visit the Maine CDC respiratory virus dashboard for the latest information on influenza cases in Maine.
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