The number of influenza-like illnesses treated at Erlanger shows a dramatic decrease compared to this time last year.
From October 2014 through mid January 2015, Erlanger reported 993 cases to the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department. During the same period this flu season, only 62 cases have been reported by Erlanger.
“One key initiative Erlanger has undertaken this year is to ask patients if they have been vaccinated for the flu and if not, offer the vaccination during their physician visit or before they are discharged from the hospital,” said Joe Cofer, MD, Erlanger Health System’s chief quality officer. “This is just one example of how hospitals like Erlanger can take part in reducing the incidence of flu and educate the public about the importance of being vaccinated. This is not only for the health of our patients, but also for the health of those in contact with the patient.”
Despite the lower incidence of flu cases requiring hospitalization this season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports increasing flu activity with even more increasing activity predicted in the coming weeks. Flu cases often peak in February and can last into May.
With the flu season still active for up to four more months, Tennessee Department of Health officials recommend individuals get vaccinated now if they haven’t already. The vaccination can still provide protection from the illness this season.