In 1918, an influenza pandemic infected 500 million people across the world and killed 20 million to 50 million of them - possibly one of the deadliest natural disasters in human history. Nearly 100 years later, there is not yet a flu pandemic danger, but there has been a significant increase in cases of influenza this season.
Dr. Casmiar Nwaigwe, physician in the infectious diseases department for Trinity Health, said he has noticed a very significant increase in influenza cases this year - increasing tenfold from last year.
This latest influenza increase has afflicted age groups across the spectrum, Nwaigwe said, but there have been many children and elderly seen with cases. Middle-aged people have also been seen in this increase, he pointed out. The most dangerous age group for people getting the flu, however, is probably with those who are age 65 and older, Nwaigwe said. People in that age group are more likely to develop complications like pneumonia, and are more likely to die from complications from the flu.
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Jill Hambek/MDN
Dr. Casmiar Nwaigwe, physician in the infectious diseases department for Trinity Health, is seen at his desk on Wednesday afternoon. Cases of influenza have been on the rise this season, and Nwaigwe said the best way to prevent getting the flu is to get the flu vaccine. Getting vaccinated will make flu symptoms milder if the flu virus happens to hit you.
Flu season typically starts in October and can go into late April or May, Nwaigwe said. However, the peak for flu season tends to be from January to February.
There are a number of factors for the increase in influenza cases this year. The main reason is that not many people were vaccinated against the flu last year, Nwaigwe said. Another reason for the increase has to do with how the flu season peaked early this year, and people put their vaccine on hold.
If everyone else were to get be vaccinated, then you would likely not get the flu if you didn't get the shot, Nwaigwe said. But he followed that up with the warning that you shouldn't depend on your neighbor.
Fact Box
State Health Department reports increase in influenza activity
BISMARCK The North Dakota Department of Health announced Jan. 9 that 1,077 cases of influenza have been reported in the state, significantly more than the total 625 cases reported the week before.
"This is much earlier than we typically see influenza in the state, but it is not an abnormal time of year to start our season," said Lindsey VanderBusch, influenza surveillance coordinator for the Department of Health. "Since the influenza season may very well continue for weeks, it's important that everyone take precautions to avoid spreading the flu, including getting a flu vaccine."
Influenza activity in the state continues to increase. Outbreaks have been reported in long-term care and assisted living facilities across the state, which often is an indicator that there are outbreaks of influenza occurring in those communities.
Influenza can be a serious illness for some people. Complications of influenza and pneumonia contribute to the deaths of nearly 400 North Dakotans annually, most of whom are older than 64. However, a large number of influenza cases occur in children younger than 10, many of whom require hospitalization.
Common signs and symptoms of influenza may include abrupt onset of fever, muscle aches, sore throat and cough.
For more information about influenza activity in North Dakota, visit (www.ndflu.com), or call VanderBusch at 328-2378.
Jill Hambek
"Get vaccinated," he advised. "If you have young children, you should get the vaccine to protect them. If you don't, then your child will get it - and will get it worse."
Common symptoms of influenza include an abrupt onset of fever, muscle aches, sore throat and cough. The flu can start within a day or a few days after exposure, Nwaigwe said.
"If you're vaccinated and healthy and your immune system is good, the flu can last four to five days," he noted.
"Get vaccinated," Nwaigwe emphasized again. "Because even if you get the flu, it will be milder."
The vaccine is one way to prevent the spread of influenza, along with covering your cough or sneeze, washing your hands, and avoiding crowded environments. Nwaigwe also said that people are flu-contagious as many as three days before symptoms manifest. In other words, people can spread the virus before they know they have it.
"But if you can prevent yourself from getting it, then you can't transmit what you don't have," he noted.
Often times, Nwaigwe said people will get the flu vaccine when they feel like they're getting the flu - but that won't help, since it takes two weeks for the body to build up immunity against the strain.
The flu vaccine is available at Medical Arts Clinic, the First District Health Unit and some pharmacies at no cost. If someone isn't a fan of the shot, the mist is also an option. The flu vaccine is 99.9 percent safe, Nwaigwe said, and the vaccine is a dead virus so there's no reason for why it would make anyone sick.
"There is no reason not to get the flu vaccine," he said.
Vaccination is the absolute best way to prevent contracting the flu, Nwaigwe said, unless you can quarantine yourself during flu season.
"Get the vaccine once it becomes available in September or October," he emphasized. "Don't wait until you're getting the flu and then get (the vaccine). Get the vaccine when you're healthy."
"Flu is one of the most preventable diseases that people die from each year," Nwaigwe said. "No one should die from the flu and it doesn't make sense because the vaccine is out there."