Inova hospitals reported flu, this year, arrived sooner and more widespread. By the report, there are a lot of flu patients visiting their emergency rooms. The number of people who have reported to hospital emergency rooms in this area with Influenza-like-illness(ILI) in recent weeks is about three times higher than the number of people who typically show up in ERs with ILI symptoms throughout the year, according to an officer from public safety in Fairfax County.
The Centers for Disease Control counts Virginia as one of the states seeing a spike in flu cases. Members of the Inova hospital staff are advising patients to see their primary care physicians for consultation. It is better to visit an urgent care or CVS Minute Clinic rather than emergency rooms if someone’s doctor is unavailable.
Flu vaccine is still generally available in the community. People can get vaccinated at pharmacies, doctors’ offices, or the county health department. The Fairfax county health department offers flu shots to the general public for $25. There are some federal programs like the Vaccine for children’s program where eligible children can obtain a flu vaccine for free.
For more information:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/summary.htm
http://annandale.patch.com/articles/flu-cases-in-northern-virginia-up-three-times-normal-rate
http://www.inova.org/healthcare-services/flu/index.jsp
http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/surveillance/influenza/WklyPhysReport.pdf
