Delaware Health Alert Network #344
January 16, 2015 2:42 pm
Health
Alert
UNPRECEDENTED NUMBER OF FLU DEATHS THIS SEASON:
PROVIDERS URGED TO USE ANTIVIRALS EARLY IN SUSPECTED/CONFIRMED INFLUENZA
Background
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates show vaccine effectiveness to be particularly low for this influenza season. The
influenza A H3N2 causing a large proportion of the illness in the community is a drifted (mutated) virus from the vaccine strain. Elders
and those with underlying medical conditions have been particularly impacted in Delaware.
A new flu fatality on 1/16/2015 brings the total flu fatalities to fifteen statewide for this flu season. This is more than twice the
number of fatalities for any flu season in recent years. 14 of those 15 deaths were in individuals over 65 years with underlying medical
conditions.
Recommendations
With the high number of fatalities, the Division of Public Health urges medical providers to consider early treatment of seniors and
other vulnerable individuals who have flu-like symptoms with anti-viral medications, regardless of their vaccination status. The
neuraminidase inhibitors Oseltamivir and zanamivir are most effective when administered within 48 hours of onset of symptoms, thus
providers should not wait for the results of influenza testing to initiate treatment. Providers should also consider offering anti-virals
to seniors and vulnerable individuals with flu symptoms even if they present for care more than 48 hours after symptoms onset.
In addition to seniors, others who are most vulnerable are the very young, pregnant women and those who are within 6 weeks post-partum,
and people with underlying medical conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, and individuals with immunocompromising
conditions.
Additional Information:
- Call the Office of Infectious Disease epidemiology with questions at 302-744-4990
- http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/index.htm
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