7 Things to Know About the 2013/2014 Flu Season

Summary: What can we expect for the 2013/2014 flu season? What’s new? How are the flu strains chosen? What are the symptoms? How can you prevent the flu? Which groups are at the highest risk?

The flu season is rapidly approaching. Here is what you need to know to prepare for this year.

The CDC describes influenza as a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can lead to death. Some people — including older adults, young children, and people with certain health conditions — are at high risk for serious flu complications.

1. When Is Flu Season, and When Will Flu Shots Be Available?

• The majority of flu cases occur between October and May, with the peak generally in January or February.
• Flu shots should be available beginning in October — the actual date will vary by location.

2. How Are Flu Strains Chosen Each Year?

The World Health Organization studies patterns and trends in order to forecast which form of the virus is likely to be most severe in the upcoming flu season. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determines which strains will be most applicable to the U.S. for the upcoming season. Each year the flu season can vary by timing, severity, strains, and length. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) selects the three or four main strains each year to be included in flu vaccinations.

3. What Flu Vaccination Options Are Available?

• Trivalent (3 components) — can be used for individuals over 6 months of age
• Quadrivalent (4 components) — contains an additional strain and is predicted to be more effective than the traditional trivalent
• Nasal spray (FluMist) — especially good for children; pregnant women should not receive the nasal spray
• Intradermal (Fluzone Intradermal) — goes into the skin using a very thin needle; a good option for those who dislike needles
• Recombinant (Flublok) — offered for the first time this year; doesn’t contain eggs, so it can be used by those with egg allergies; approved for ages 18–49

This year, for the first time, all of the vaccine types will be quadrivalent except for the traditional trivalent. The trivalent will contain (1) Influenza A H1N1, (2) Influenza A H3N2, and (3) Influenza B. The quadrivalent will contain an additional Influenza B virus.

4. Which Groups Are Most at Risk for the Flu?

• Children 6 months to 59 months of age
• All individuals 50 or older
• Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, neurological, hematologic, or metabolic disorders
• Persons who have immunosuppression
• Women who are or will be pregnant during flu season
• Children and adolescents (6 months to 18 years) receiving long-term aspirin therapy, who might be at risk for Reye’s syndrome after influenza virus infection
• Residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
• American Indian and Alaska Native individuals
• Persons who are morbidly obese
• Healthcare personnel

5. What Are the Most Common Symptoms?

• Fever and/or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Extreme fatigue
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

6. How Is the Flu Spread?

• Through droplets made when people cough, sneeze, or talk
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby
• A person may also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes

7. How Can the Flu Be Prevented?

• Get vaccinated
• Avoid contact with those who have the flu
• Wash hands frequently
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
• Avoid contact with others if you have the flu, to avoid spreading it
• Practice good health habits

Flu vaccinations should be available starting in October. The CDC recommends vaccination as early in the season as possible, as it takes some time before the vaccination becomes effective. There are different types of vaccinations to meet the needs of the majority of the population. Previously, those with egg allergies weren’t able to receive flu vaccinations; this year, an option has been added to accommodate this population. Previously, some individuals opted not to be vaccinated for fear of needles; now there is an option that is administered just under the skin. Additionally, an extra strain has been added to the majority of vaccinations beginning this year, which should provide even greater effectiveness in combatting the flu.

Be on the lookout for the availability of flu vaccinations in your local area over the next couple of weeks, and be sure you are protected! For more information, please visit the CDC website.

---

About BHM Healthcare Solutions

BHM is a healthcare management consulting firm whose specialty is optimizing profitability while improving care in a variety of healthcare settings. BHM has worked both nationally and internationally with managed care organizations, providers, hospitals, and insurers. In addition, BHM offers a wide breadth of services, including managed care consulting, strategic planning and organizational analysis, accreditation consulting, healthcare financial analysis, physician advisor/peer review, and organizational development.

Contact us: re*****@***pc.com, 1-888-831-1171

---

Get Ready for the Changes With a Free ACA Webinar

It is important that every healthcare organization has a thorough understanding of the Affordable Care Act and how it has the potential to impact them and their organization. Change will be swift and the reform will be sweeping, requiring a number of clinical, administrative, and financial changes in order to operate successfully and profitably. If you would like more information about how to prepare your organization for the ACA’s impact, BHM will be hosting a free, no-obligation webinar entitled The Impact of the ACA on U.S. Hospitals. We hope you will join us.

Title: Impact of the ACA on U.S. Hospitals
Description: Find out what your organization can do to brace for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and what strategies you can implement now to succeed in a changing environment.
Date & Time: Thursday, October 3, 2013 at 12:00 PM EDT

Please register for the webinar here. Be sure to “add to Outlook” when you receive your confirmation.

Want to be even more ready for the flu season? Follow BHM Healthcare Solutions for more tips and strategies to protect yourself and your family from viruses like the flu.