Minnesota's First Culture-Confirmed Influenza Case Matches Vaccine

Minnesotans urged to get vaccinated to prevent influenza

November 8, 2007 -- Minnesota has recorded its first culture-confirmed case of influenza for the 2007-08 season in a 44-year-old woman from Dakota County. The woman’s illness was caused by the B/Shanghai-like strain of the virus, the Minnesota Department of Health reported today. The woman’s virus is a good match for this year’s vaccine, health officials said. The specimen was submitted by the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview.

While there have been reports of influenza cases around the state already this year, this announcement marks the official start of flu season in Minnesota. It’s also a reminder that it’s time to seek influenza vaccination, if you haven’t already.

“Identifying influenza in the laboratory helps us know which strains are circulating and tells us how well this year’s vaccine will protect people from influenza and its complications,” said Kristen Ehresmann, section chief for immunizations at MDH. “Those who get influenza vaccination in November and December, and even into January, should be fully protected against influenza when the season peaks,” she said.

Widespread influenza activity in Minnesota usually peaks in February, but cases can occur as late as May. Flu season may be off to a slightly earlier start than usual this year; the first flu case historically has been confirmed most often in late November or early December. “So now is a good time to get immunized,” Ehresmann said.

Influenza vaccination is important for anyone who wants to avoid influenza – regardless of age or health status, health officials said. A flu vaccine also may help you avoid giving influenza to others during the upcoming holiday season.

Health officials strongly recommend that people who are most at risk for complications from influenza get an annual flu shot. Those most at risk include:

* People 50 years of age and older
* People with chronic illnesses
* Children 6 months to 5 years of age
* Residents of nursing homes or other chronic care facilities

Children under 6 months of age cannot receive flu vaccine, so household contacts should be vaccinated to protect the very young.

In addition, flu shots are strongly recommended for health care workers in order to help protect those most susceptible to influenza.

Ehresmann noted that not only should people who are in the high risk groups get immunized, but also people who have regular contact with them should consider being immunized. “People in these groups can end up in the hospital – or even die – if they get the flu.”

Each year in the U.S., an average of 36,000 people die and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized due to influenza. In Minnesota, hundreds of people, young and old, are hospitalized each year due to complications of influenza. It is one of the leading causes of death for people 65 and older, but children under 5 have high rates of hospitalization also.

“Influenza is clearly a disease that can have serious consequences,” Ehresmann said. “The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated.”

More information on who is most at risk for complications from influenza and who should seek influenza vaccination can be found on the MDH Web site at www.mdhflu.com. This site also has a listing of public flu vaccination clinics. To find the influenza vaccination clinic nearest you, go to www.mdhflu.com and click on “Find a flu shot clinic.”

Shipments of vaccine from the manufacturers to providers appear to be arriving smoothly and on time this season, Ehresmann said.

The symptoms of influenza, which tend to come on suddenly, can include a sore throat, coughing, fever, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. People who become severely ill with influenza-like symptoms should see a physician. Influenza is caused by a virus and antibiotics are not effective against it.

During flu season, it is important for everyone, shots or not, to do their part to avoid spreading influenza by following these guidelines:

o Do your best to stay healthy. Get plenty of rest, physical activity and healthy eating.
o Stay home from school or work if you have a respiratory infection. Avoid exposing yourself to others who are sick with flu-like illness.
o Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue whenever you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
o Clean surfaces you touch frequently, such as doorknobs, water faucets, refrigerator handles and telephones.
o Wash your hands often with soap and water, or with an alcohol based, waterless hand sanitizer.

Source: Minnesota Department of Health

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