Tracking the Flu, Where we Stand So Far This Season

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The flu is here, according to the CDC, the four-week rolling average of influenza positive tests as reported by the laboratories collaborating with the CDC is 7.03%.

Our own Sermo Influenza Tracking Challenge is reporting similar numbers.  30% of our physicians were in the 7% range, in fact 10% reported near-identical numbers to the CDC.

Flu seasons can very greatly and the CDC via Twitter confirmed that they “can’t predict how mild or severe the 2013-2014 season will be,” but they added, “Last flu season began early, was moderately severe and lasted longer than average compared with previous seasons.”

This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week promoted by the CDC.  They have compiled resources for physicians and health care practitioners to assist with patient care.  Their big message is get a flu shot!  Having a flu shot will …

1. Decrease the use of antibiotics during the flu season helping to keep “super bugs” from getting a leg up.
2. Protect those around you who don’t or can’t get a flu shot, such as infants under six months of age.
3. Protect you from the flu or the worse symptoms of the flu

Last year about 45% of the population in the U.S. received a flu shot.  The CDC would like to see that number climb to “at least 70% overall.”   The CDC has specifically been targeting certain groups that are more vulnerable.  After issuing new guidelines for patients with asthma, the CDC reported vaccination rates have climbed from 36% a few years ago to over 50% today.

We recently discussed physicians getting flu shots and if it should be mandatory for the profession.  Some hospitals, such as John Hopkins, require a flu shot or the employee is terminated. 59% of Sermo doctors support requirements for health care professionals to receive a flu vaccine.

At Sermo, we began tracking monthly influenza predictions and correlating it to the CDC numbers.  We’re off to a strong start with over 1,100 predictions entered into our system.  If you are an M.D. or D.O. please join us as we track influenza this season.