UNITED STATES FLU SEASON 2019-2020 UPDATE Q & A
by John G. Baresky on 12/28/19
Initially published 1/06/20, updated 2/23/20
The 2019-2020 Flu season is well underway across the United States
The Centers for
Disease Control ( CDC ) plus other government healthcare
agencies and medical professionals are closely monitoring what is shaping up to
be a formidable Flu season.
Who is most at risk for
Flu?
Individuals spanning
infant to elderly are susceptible to the Flu virus. Expectant mothers, seniors and
persons with chronic conditions such as asthma, an airway abnormality or other
respiratory issues, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, neurological or
neurodevelopmental disease, kidney, liver or blood disease could be more vulnerable
to Flu and severe Flu symptoms.
Who are some of the leading healthcare companies developing and marketing vaccine products to help protect against the Flu?
The largest Flu vaccine manufacturers include:
- AstraZeneca ( NYSE: AZN )
- GlaxoSmithKline ( NYSE: GSK )
- Sanofi ( NASDAQ: SNY )
- Seqirus / CSL ( ASX: CSL )
Most Flu vaccine
formulations are administered via a single injection although an inhaled nasal mist Flu
vaccine is available ( FluMist Quadrivalent manufactured by AstraZeneca ).
Healthcare professionals determine and prescribe which Flu immunization option,
injection or inhaled formulation, is most appropriate for each
patient.
What products are available to treat the Flu for those diagnosed with it?
Depending on the consumer or patient there is an array of over-the-counter medications available which treat Flu symptoms that do not require a prescription.
There are several companies manufacturing Flu antiviral drugs which can be administered to patients with confirmed Flu diagnosis that require a prescription including:
- Rapivab ( peramivir; injection ) - manufactured by CSL
- Relenza ( zanamivir; dry powder for inhalation ) - manufactured by GSK
- Tamiflu ( oseltamivir phosphate; oral ) - manufactured by Roche but also available as as a generic
- Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil; oral) - manufactured by Genentech / Roche ( OTCMKTS: RHHBY )
How is the Flu season unfolding so far?
- The predominant Flu virus strain varies by region
- Age groups are another variable in profiling specific
Flu virus strains
- Nationwide, influenza B/Victoria virus has been the
most frequently reported Flu strain thus far; the second most frequently
occurring is A(H1N1)
- Influenza B/Victoria viruses are most commonly reported
in children age 0-4 years ( 46% of reported viruses) and persons age 5-24 years ( 57% of
reported viruses)
- A(H1N1) pdm09 viruses are most commonly identified in persons age 25-64 years (41% of reported viruses)
- For adults 65 years of age and older almost equal
proportions of influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 ( 38% ) and A(H3N2) viruses ( 37% )
have been reported
- Current hospitalization rate has been 6.6 cases
per 100,000 ( similar to previous Flu season trends at this calendar
interval but on the increase )
- Overall the CDC estimates there have been 4.6 million Flu cases so far this year resulting in about 39,000 hospitalizations and over 2,100
fatalities
What are some ways I can protect myself and others from the Flu?
- It is not too late to get the Flu shot ( or FluMist if appropriate ); there are ample supplies presently available
- Take precautions to avoid contracting and spreading Flu
virus:
- Avoid persons who are sick
- Avoid directly touching eyes, nose, mouth; cover nose
and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; properly dispose of
the tissue quickly
- Wash hands with soap and water frequently and clean /
disinfect surfaces where hand contact is frequent ( desks, counters,
table tops, cell phones, keyboards, tablets, door handles, remote
controls, appliance handles, etc. )
- If diagnosed with the Flu and prescribed Flu antivirus
medication, patients should be certain to complete the entire course of
therapy and limit close contact with others
