Health officials recommend flu shot

The medical director at Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis and the federal Centers for Disease Control are recommending getting a flu shot.

“For November and December we have had a considerably higher number of flu cases compared to last year at both Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis and Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital in Tucumcari,” said Donna Thibodeau chief medical director for PRMC.

Thibodeau said some of the patients seen at both hospitals had received flu shots in late October and early November, which has not allowed enough time for the vaccine to take effect. She said on average it takes six to eight weeks for the flu vaccination to take hold.

Every flu season is different, but mostly the peak season for the flu is the end of January, February and early March, she said.

“I strongly encourage people to get the flu vaccination if they haven't already,” Thibodeau said.

While some of the viruses spreading this season are not prevented by the current vaccine, health officials say receiving the current vaccine can still provide protection and might reduce severe outcomes such as hospitalization and death.

Flu virus activity nationwide has continued to increase.

New Mexico reports moderate illness rates, but nearby states, including Texas, Arkansas and Kansas, show high rates of influenza-like illness, according to a Dec. 20 CDC report.

The most common type of flu virus causing illness is the Influenza A (H3N2) virus, but to date, the CDC has found 248 influenza viruses active in the nation.

Data collected by the CDC show most people who get the flu will have mild illness, will not need medical care or antiviral drugs, and will recover in less than two weeks.

Some in high-risk populations, especially children, the elderly and those with other health conditions, are more likely to get flu complications that result in hospitalization, and even death.

The flu can worsen chronic health problems, such as asthma and chronic congestive heart failure, she said.