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Port Townsend, WA 98368
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360-385-9401 (f) (f) 360-379-4487
Influenza Update for Jefferson County Health Care Providers
1-6-2017
Influenza activity is increasing at the state, regional, and local level. Please consider influenza in
your differential diagnosis as you evaluate patients with acute febrile illnesses.
In the week ending 12/31/16, out of 55 rapid flu tests at the Jefferson Healthcare lab, 22 were
positive for influenza A. There were four positive tests in the prior week. Influenza is classified
as “widespread” in the Washington State weekly influenza update for the last week of 2016.
Continue to offer influenza vaccine to your patients, it is not too late. This is especially
important for persons at high risk for complications. The flu season usually continues through
March.
Review the categories considered to be high risk for influenza complications:
o Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
o Adults 65 years of age and older
o Pregnant women and women up to two weeks post-partum
o Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
o American Indians and Alaskan Natives
o People who have certain medical conditions. (See CDC website, last link below).
Resources:
Washington State DOH Influenza Update:
http://www.doh.wa.gov/portals/1/documents/5100/420-100-fluupdate.pdf
CDC - detailed national influenza surveillance data:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivitysurv.htm
CDC Influenza Information for Health Professionals:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/index.htm
For questions about this update, call Lisa McKenzie at 360-385-9422