First flu case reported at Southwest Memorial

First flu case reported at Southwest Memorial

Dec. 28, 2000

By Janelle Holden
Journal Staff Writer

The first case of influenza was reported at Southwest Memorial Hospital on Wednesday. Marc Meyer, the hospital’s infection control officer, said that a Cortez woman in her early 20s tested positive for influenza yesterday.

Since the beginning of the flu season, Oct. 1, the state of Colorado has reported 47 laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu from Oct. through Dec. 23. Of those 47, 23 were reported last week, and 11 during the week of Dec. 10-16.

In 1999, Colorado had hit the peak of its flu season by the end of December with 165 cases reported, and 100 during the week of Dec. 17-23.

"It’s a much different season than last year — much slower to start and much less activity," said Ken Gershman, manager of the communicable-disease program at the Colorado state health department.

Southwest Memorial reported nine laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu in 1999.

Gershman said that the numbers are not meant to accurately represent how many people in the state have the flu.

"Most people either won’t go to the doctor, or if they do go to the doctor they won’t get tested," he explained. "Our goal is to be able to follow the time course of flu activity — when and where it’s occurring."

Influenza types A and B are viral respiratory infections that usually arrive with the onset of winter. New rapid lab tests can now help physicians determine whether patients have influenza, and the majority of cases reported are Type A.

Both A and B can cause hospitalization or death. Depending on the patient’s history and condition, doctors may prescribe antiviral medication or send the patient home to heal with proper rests and fluid.

Typical flu symptoms include fever (usually 100ºF to 103º F. in adults and often even higher in children) and respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, as well as headache, muscle aches, and often extreme fatigue, according to the Centers for Disease Control web site.

The flu can also include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea but these symptoms are rarely the primary symptoms. The term "stomach flu" is a misnomer that is sometimes used to describe gastrointestinal illnesses caused by organisms other than influenza viruses.

To avoid the flu, you should limit the exposure of others by staying home, washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, and avoid close contact with others, particularly high-risk family members and friends.

Because antiviral medications can only be started in the first 48 hours of illness, consider calling your doctor’s office early to discuss treatment, if desired.

Flu shots are still available for those who haven’t been exposed.