Influenza outbreak identified in long-term care facility
Iowa Department of Public Health announced on Aug. 7 that it had joined a county health department to investigate an outbreak of influenza A (H3) in a long-term care facility. The State Hygienic Laboratory confirmed cases associated with the outbreak and reported results to IDPH.The peak months for seasonal influenza are December through February, but the season may begin as early as October and last as late as May, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention reported on the influenza web page.
“Influenza viruses circulate throughout the whole year, but we usually see most cases of flu in the winter months when people are indoors,” said Wade Aldous, State Hygienic Laboratory director of the Division of Disease Control.
“Many patients living in long term care facilities stay indoors more often and can have weaker immune systems that make them more susceptible to infection. It is particularly important for such folks to receive their annual flu vaccination.”
People who have a weakened immune systems – particularly those 65 years and older – are at greater risk for serious complications from flu.
During the 2014-2015 season, 61 influenza outbreaks in long-term care facilities were reported in Iowa.
Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread influenza and many other illnesses.
