State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris stated stories from across the state point out that influenza season has arrived in Alabama however that the numbers point out a low-level outbreak.
Harris advised the State Committee of Public Health on Thursday that the quantity ER visits by sufferers with flu-like signs has cleared the three% threshold that represents a flu outbreak.
He stated north Alabama and Jefferson County are seeing essentially the most sickness however he expects that to vary.
“Overall, the state as an entire, we’ve reached that threshold,” Harris stated. “So, it’s coming this manner, prefer it does yearly.”
The Alabama Department of Public Health stories the numbers on its respiratory illness dashboard.
Harris stated that, for now, it seems that this will likely be a standard flu season.
He stated there have been fewer circumstances of influenza in 2020 and 2021 as a result of the precautions in place for the COVID pandemic helped cease the unfold of respiratory viruses.
A yr in the past, Alabama had a high-level of flu outbreak, with flu-like diseases accounting for six.5% of ER visits.
So far this yr, the extent of flu outbreak in Alabama is just like what most different states are experiencing, Harris stated.
A map by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a average degree of outbreak in Alabama as of the week ending Nov. 30.
“The smartest thing you are able to do is get your influenza vaccination up to date. This season the flu vaccine is permitted for anybody six months or older,” Harris stated.
“Secondly, please keep dwelling for those who’re sick until you’re looking for medical care. We’d such as you to watch out about spreading it to different folks, and that’s particularly weak folks. Older folks, pregnant girls, young children, they’re significantly weak to influenza. So, let’s pay attention to that.”
